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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Huge US Air Force planes touch down at Scots airport as Donald Trump visit looms
Pictures show the huge aircraft appearing to drop off some vehicles IN PLANE SIGHT Huge US Air Force planes touch down at Scots airport as Donald Trump visit looms HUGE US Air Force planes were spotted landing at a Scots airport ahead of Donald Trump's visit this week. The US President will visit both of his Scottish golf courses at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire between July 25 and 29. 10 Huge military transport aircraft were spotted at Prestwick Airport Credit: John Kirkby 10 A UAE Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III also touched down in Scotland Credit: John Kirkby 10 Two police vans parked up outside the airport Credit: John Kirkby 10 The planes appeared to be dropping off vehicles Credit: John Kirkby The President will also meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney during the five-day private visit. Mr Trump is set to touch down in Scotland on Friday. And three huge military transport aircraft have been spotted at Prestwick Airport today ahead of the President's arrival. Two Boeing C-17A Globemaster III planes from the US Air Force sat on the runway at the Ayrshire airport. Another one from the UAE Air Force sat ahead of them. Two police vans sat outside the airport, with streets alongside the site lined with 'no waiting' traffic cones. The planes appeared to be dropping off some vehicles before taking off again. Yesterday, we told how security measures were being ramped up by officers with road closures now put in place in and around Turnberry. Pictures show officers stopping cars and speaking to drivers outside the Ayrshire resort. Several 'road closed' signs have been placed on the road, as well as checkpoints for 'authorised access'. Police Scotland ramps up security for Donald Trump visit as officers unhappy with extra shift demands A new fence has also been put up alongside the resort on Maidens Road and the A77. A major policing operation is being put in place for both the visit and any protests that may spring up as a result of it. Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said the visit of the US President would require a "significant operation across the country over many days" from Police Scotland. His comments come as Police Scotland is facing legal action from its own officers in a row over overtime payments and lieu ahead of Donald Trump's visit. However Scottish First Minister John Swinney has insisted policing will not be put in a "detrimental position" as a result of the visit. However, police officers are raising concerns about the impact of the trip, with Mr Hay stating: "The private visit of President Donald Trump to Scotland at the end of July will require the Police Service of Scotland to plan for and deliver a significant operation across the country over many days. 10 Three huge military aircraft sitting on the runway at Prestwick Credit: John Kirkby 10 After dropping off the vehicles the planes took off again Credit: John Kirkby 10 Roads around the airport have been coned off Credit: John Kirkby 10 A large crowd of people gathered around the aircraft as it dropped off vehicles Credit: John Kirkby "This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control." Police superintendents and chief superintendents will have "key leadership roles" for the visit, he added, saying they would be taking responsibility for areas such as planning and resourcing, intelligence gathering, command and control communications, armed operations, public order, and other specialist functions. Mr Hay urged the public to be aware of the "significant demands that will be placed on policing services during this period" - adding these result from not only the Presidential visit but the "many popular events that Scotland hosts in the summer months, which bring thousands of tourists to our country and rely upon partnerships with policing to support their safe delivery". His comments came as SPF general secretary David Kennedy warned the police response to the visit could impact on the service it provides to the public in Scotland. Asked about the visit, Mr Kennedy told BBC Radio Scotland: "Anyone who says it won't affect it (policing in Scotland), I can't believe that's the case. "It will affect it. "You may be waiting in the past for so many hours for a police officer to arrive, that could double now, you may be waiting for more time for them to arrive. "Obviously, emergency calls will take priority, but it will affect communities in Scotland. "We've been asking long and weary to have more police officers in our communities in Scotland and all this does is take them away from that at this time." Asked if the quality of policing will be impacted by the visit, Mr Kennedy added: "It will be seriously affected, it has to be. "There's not enough police officers for it not to be affected." 10 The aircraft were spotted taking off and landing at Prestwick today Credit: John Kirkby
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Police Scotland ramps up security for Donald Trump visit as road closures start to appear days before President arrives
TRUMPED UP Police Scotland ramps up security for Donald Trump visit as road closures start to appear days before President arrives Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COPS are ramping up security at Donald Trump's golf courses days before the President is set to arrive in Scotland. Mr Trump will visit both of his Scottish courses at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire between July 25 and 29. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Cops are ramping up security measures around Turnberry ahead of Donald Trump's visit Credit: John Kirkby 7 A ring of steel has been put up around the resort Credit: John Kirkby 7 There are now road closures and checkpoints around the course Credit: John Kirkby 7 The Republican chief is getting set to jet into Scotland for the first time in two years Credit: PA He will also open his second course at Menie named after his late mother Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis. The President will also meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. Security measures are being ramped up by officers with road closures now being put in place in and around Turnberry. Pictures show officers stopping cars and speaking to drivers outside the Ayrshire resort. Several 'road closed' signs have been placed on the road, as well as checkpoints for 'authorised access'. A new fence has also been put up alongside the resort on Maidens Road and the A77. Cops were also spotted walking around the course yesterday. It comes after fears that Mr Trump could be assassinated during his visit are being assessed by police and security services, a top cop representative revealed. David Threadgold, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said there 'is a huge amount of threat assessment and intelligence gathering' taking place ahead of the US President arriving. Protests are also expected to take place outside his golf courses. Donald Trump spotted pocketing Club World Cup winners medal as president walks off stage And Dalek-style lookouts have sprung up at Turnberry, in Ayrshire, and Menie, Aberdeenshire. The bizarre-looking devices have cameras and motion sensors capable of detecting intruders. Towers with thermal imaging cameras capable of detecting fires are also in place for the private trip. A ring of steel is being teed up as the Republican chief gets set to jet into Scotland for the first time in two years. We previously told how cops in marked and unmarked cars were spotted at Turnberry and white tents were also being set up. A ban on unmanned aircraft, parachutes and drones is also in force at Balmedie. 7 Pictures show officers stopping cars and speaking to drivers outside the Ayrshire resort Credit: John Kirkby 7 Police officers have been spotted in and around the course this week Credit: John Kirkby A senior police officer has urged those who wish to protest during to stay within the law, as she said the priority will be for the US President to have a "peaceful and safe" visit. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said the operation to police the five-day visit will involve "significant" resources, requiring Police Scotland to draw on mutual aid agreements with other forces. Known as Operation Roll, it is expected to require Police Scotland's entire cadre of police liaison officers. Speaking to journalists today, she encouraged protest groups to discuss their plans with police ahead of the visit. She said: "As you can imagine, it is a large-scale, complex operation, but actually that's something that Police Scotland is immensely experienced at doing." The policing plan involves local, national and specialist officers from Police Scotland as well as other forces. She added: "The key very much is to make sure the President of the United States can come, enjoy a peaceful and safe visit to Scotland and ensure Police Scotland is able to maintain delivery of services to the rest of the community within Scotland over the period of his visit." Police are working on the assumption there will be protests in Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, she said. Ms Bond said Police Scotland will take a "proportionate" approach to ensure people can protest safely, with the force offering to engage with demonstrators ahead of time on a "no surprises" basis. However she said there is nothing at this stage to give her "specific concern" about violence. We previously told how Police Scotland is facing legal action from its own officers in a row over overtime payments and lieu ahead of Donald Trump's visit. The Scottish Police Federation said the force promised to 'provide minimum standards of health and safety at work' during the visit. And fed General Secretary David Kennedy said the dispute relates the absence of a proper workforce plan for the visit. He said: 'Sadly, we have seen these agreements breached in the days leading to the arrival of POTUS and as such we are seeking legal advice regarding potential legal action against the service.' Speaking to the PA news agency, Ms Bond also said that concerns raised by the Scottish Police Federation are "being resolved".
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Second 12-year-old boy arrested after massive fire rips through Scots town centre
ANOTHER 12-year-old boy has been charged in connection with a huge blaze that tore through a building in a Scottish town. The devastating inferno destroyed several buildings on King Street and Sandbed Street in Kilmarnock earlier this week. 5 A blaze tore through a four-storey building in a Scottish town on Monday Credit: PA 5 Fire crews raced to the scene in Kilmarnock at around 9.30pm Credit: Alamy 5 Firefighters were still on the scene the following day Credit: John Kirkby Emergency crews raced to the scene in the town centre on Monday evening after a ferocious blaze was seen ripping through a four-storey building. The alarm was raised after officers received reports of the massive fire at around 9.30pm Eight fire engines were scrambled to tackle the blaze, and police shut down surrounding roads. Firefighters were still on the scene the following day as they battled to dampen the blaze. No one was injured in the fire, however, several businesses are feared to have been destroyed by the flames. Police quickly revealed that it was being treated as wilful and launched an investigation into the blaze. Yesterday, police confirmed that a 12-year-old boy had been arrested and charged in connection with the fire. And today, the force has revealed that a second 12-year-old boy has been arrested and charged. Both of the youngsters are due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date. Police have also confirmed that two 11-year-old boys have been traced in connection with the alleged incident. Huge blaze breaks out at primary school as thick smoke billows into the sky A statement from the force read: "Around 9.30pm on Monday, 14 July, 2025, we received a report of a fire at a premises on Sandbed Street. "There were no reported injuries, and the fire is being treated as wilful. "A 12-year-old male youth was arrested and charged on Friday, 18 July. "A second 12-year-old boy had previously been arrested and charged on Thursday, 17 July. "Both are due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date. "Two 11-year-old boys have also been traced in connection with the fire, and reports will be submitted to relevant authorities. "Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of 14 July, 2025." 5 Two 12-year-old boys have been arrested and charged in connection with the fire Credit: PA
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Boy, 12, charged in connection with huge blaze which destroyed Scots shops
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A 12-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged in connection with a devastating blaze that ripped through a Scots town centre this week. The huge inferno ripped through and destroyed several buildings in King Street and Sandbed Street in Kilmarnock town centre on Monday, July 14. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Emergency crews raced to Sandbed Street in Kilmarnock, after receiving reports a four-storey building was ablaze at around 9.30pm Credit: Alamy 3 No one was injured in the fire, however, several businesses are feared to have been destroyed by the flames Credit: PA 3 Firefighters were still on the scene the following day as they battled to dampen the blaze Credit: John Kirkby Emergency crews raced to Sandbed Street in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire after receiving reports a four-storey building was ablaze at around 9.30pm. Eight fire engines were scrambled to tackle the blaze, and police shut down surrounding roads. Firefighters were still on the scene the following day as they battled to dampen the blaze. No one was injured in the fire, however, several businesses are feared to have been destroyed by the flames. The force said following ongoing inquiries a 12-year-old boy had been arrested and charged in connection with the fire. He has been released and will appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date. A spokesperson said: "A 12-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire in Kilmarnock. "Around 9.30pm on Monday, 14 July, 2025, we received a report of a fire at a premises on Sandbed Street. "There were no reported youth has been released on an undertaking to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court later this month. Tomorrowland chaos after huge fire breaks out on main stage a DAY before festival is due to start "The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing." Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of 14 July, 2025.
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Popular Scots water park to open EARLY following major revamp
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR Scottish water park is set to welcome visitors in days after bosses revealed it was ready to reopen early after a major makeover. The Time Capsule in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, closed its doors back in March to allow essential upgrades to be carried out to its water feature. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Time Capsule in Coatbridge is set to reopen in days Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow The waterpark, which was recently crowned the best in Scotland, is located just 25 minutes outside of Glasgow. There is a 25m swimming pool, a Tsunami wavepool, and a Riptide River, and also boasts a wave machine, fun flumes and other 'unique' rides. And the upgrades to the much-loved attraction have seen new pumps and blowers installed to improve the waterfalls and river rapids. The revamp has also seen the full electrical system upgraded, which includes the installation of new wiring that stretches for over a mile. Brand-new colour-changing LED underwater lighting was also installed in some areas to brighten the pool. Repairs were also carried out around the waterpark as part of the works. We're really pleased to be welcoming people back to the Time Capsule. These improvements make visiting the water park a more enjoyable experience for everyone Councillor Geraldine Woods This included new tiles being laid, fixes to the river rapid slides, and new soft rubber flooring being out down in both the Splashdown Island and Coral Cove areas. Even the shower areas have been refreshed to provide a more welcoming space for guests. The upgrades were initially expected to take up to six months. But council chiefs have now revealed that the waterpark will reopen this Friday, on July 19, according to Glasgow Times. I went to France to visit the world's best waterpark Despite the early opening, some parts of the water park are still closed because they are still being worked on. The huge yellow flume and big tipping bucket are still undergoing maintenance. But visitors will be able to use the purple flume when the attraction opens this weekend. Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of community services, told Glasgow Times: 'We're really pleased to be welcoming people back to the Time Capsule. "These improvements make visiting the water park a more enjoyable experience for everyone. BEST IN SCOTLAND THE Time Capsule attracts over 700,000 visitors each year and remains one of Lanarkshire's most popular attractions. The leisure complex includes a fully equipped gym, an ice rink and a soft play area. And last month it was named on Time Out's list of the UK's top pools. Time Out said: "Glasgow might not be the first location that springs to mind when you think of waterparks, but at the Time Capsule, they have some unique rides. "The Tornado Tantrum flue is so large you could fit a Mini Cooper inside, so there's plenty of room for you and four mates to whizz down together. "There's also a ten-metre-high Storm Chaser: twin flumes named Thunder and Lightning, where you can challenge a friend and see who comes out first." Entry fees range from £3.55 to £6.85 per person. 'Now that the first phase is nearly done, we are delighted to announce that we are once again taking bookings.' It comes a few weeks after bosses at Active NL shared a video on social media giving a sneak peek behind the scenes of the revamp. At the time, they said they were hoping to open sometime this month. In the caption, they added: "It's been a busy few months recharging the Time Capsule waterpark and we are delighted to announce that we anticipate the reopening to be late July. "As we enter the final stages of the most significant upgrade to the waterpark in over 30 years, we're excited to welcome visitors back. "While some of the features such as the tipping bucket won't be in action yet, we are committed to a phased programme of work to restore them." They thanked visitors for their "understanding and patience" during the upgrades phase.
