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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Inside Donald Trump's first full day in Scotland as president watched by gun cops during golf
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DONALD Trump teed off at Turnberry today amid a massive security operation — as protests across the country fell below par. The US President hit the fairway flanked by Secret Service agents just before 10am watched by gun cops on the luxury hotel's roof and a helicopter patrolling the skies. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Donald Trump tee'd off at Turnberry this morning Credit: Tom Farmer 6 Hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Edinburgh and Aberdeen Credit: Getty 6 The US President was joined by his son Eric as he waved for the cameras on his famed Ailsa course Credit: Tom Farmer 6 Snipers were positioned on a platform on the edge of the course Credit: Tom Farmer 6 Stop Trump Scotland protest at the Union Terrace Gardens in AberdeenC Credit: PA 6 Soldiers searched the first green at the Trump Turnberry course Credit: Getty The major land, sea and air mission saw soldiers sweep the Ayrshire links for threats as officers guarded the beach, course and perimeter of the five-star resort. But despite the pleas of First Minister John Swinney for protesters to 'do Scotland proud', anti-Trump demonstrations in Edinburgh and Aberdeen drew just a couple of hundred supporters. And in Glasgow there was no sign of rallies as the expected furore passed without incident. There were also no protesters near Turnberry as the Republican chief led a convoy between holes in his own buggy. Before Mr Trump headed out for his round, soldiers and police with sniffer dogs scoured the rough and bushes around the course. Only fans and well-wishers could be seen but they were not allowed anywhere near Mr Trump. One couple travelled around 240 miles from Liverpool to show their support for the US leader. They wore red 'Make England Great Again' caps. Meanwhile, a so-called 'festival of resistance' organised to protest against the President's visit failed to materialise across the country. Cops had been braced for mass rallies after Mr Swinney urged people to 'demonstrate lawfully'. First look at Donald Trump's armoured motorcade 'the Beast' as President whisked off to Turnberry But only small pockets of anti-Trump activists turned out. Demonstrators at a cordoned-off US Consulate in Edinburgh waved placards with slogans including 'Scotland hates Trump'. One activist held up a sign emblazoned with 'Janey was right', in reference to late comedian Janey Godley's 'Trump's a c***' demo at Turnberry in 2018. Julie-Ann Laidlaw, 39, said: 'Janey called it right years ago. I know if she was still here, she would have been beside us. 'She's not, so I felt it was important to come here and spread her message. Everybody I know is embarrassed that Trump's mum is from Scotland. He's not welcome.' As dozens of police stood guard, the crowd joined in pro-Palestine chants and also sang: 'Donald Trump we know you, you're racist through and through'. Another campaigner said: 'Trump does not represent the values of Scotland. He is leading a slide to authoritarianism, which threatens a descent into fascism around the world. "He's lobbied against the green agenda in Scotland and even tried to evict people to make way for his developments. 'Who does he think he is? Trump is not going to win. Trump is not welcome here.' New Jersey native Danielle Solof, 41, is in the capital for her one-woman dark comedy Edinburgh Fringe show Freedom Camp which tells how she abandoned her dream of becoming a US diplomat. She said: 'I wanted to spread the message of peace, justice and freedom — the cornerstones of American democracy. 'But learning more about US foreign policy and the situations we put people in made me rethink things. Trump embodies the shadowy side of America. He's a cancer on society, which has metastasised.' Swinney rapped on £180k golf 'aid' By Paul Rodger JOHN Swinney has been accused of hypocrisy after the Scottish Government handed over £180,000 to a tournament at one of Donald Trump's Scottish courses. The US President's five-star Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire is to host the Nexo Championship next month. First Minister Swinney is backing the DP World Tour event at Trump International Golf Links. The Scottish Government said 'advanced negotiations' are underway to secure backing from its tourism organisation, VisitScotland — with £180,000 of public cash. Mr Swinney is expected to meet Mr Trump but previously called for his September state visit to be cancelled. And Scottish Tory Murdo Fraser said: 'John Swinney disgracefully condemned President Trump's State Visit. 'Now his government is giving money to his golf course. Many will see it as a hypocritical. Mr Swinney said: 'I am proud this funding will enhance Aberdeenshire's reputation as a leading golfing destination.' Danielle was joined at the protest by pal Nicole Inportico, 47, who moved from New Jersey to Edinburgh six years ago. Carrying a 'Nae Trump' placard, she said: 'Common decency and humanity are being replaced by individualism and a horrible nationalism under Trump. ' 'When I go home, I think people don't realise what's going on outside the country and how people perceive us. Sometimes I want to slap a Canadian flag on my backpack so nobody knows where I'm from.' In Aberdeen, around 200 protesters gathered. One activist wore a large papier-mâche head of the US President, while placards read: 'Stop Trump, Stop The Far Right', and 'Trump is a Fascist'. Green MSP Maggie Chapman told demonstrators: 'We stand in solidarity not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for. 'He believes that climate change isn't real, he believes that cutting services for those in the world with the least is the right thing to do. 'We say no to all of that, not in our name, never in our name.' Some demonstrators held signs featuring the faces of Mr Trump and his ex-pal, the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The President's administration is facing growing calls to publish documents concerning the billionaire sex offender, who died in 2019. Mr Trump is due to meet Mr Swinney and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where the two men will refine a trade deal between the UK and the US agreed earlier this year. The president is also expected to talk trade with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tomorrow.
Scottish Sun
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lewis Capaldi lookalikes gather outside Greggs in bizarre bid to win concert tickets
Even our man Colan Lamont got involved LEWKIN' GOOD Lewis Capaldi lookalikes gather outside Greggs in bizarre bid to win concert tickets Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEWIS Capaldi fans rolled up to Greggs dressed up as the chart favourite in a half-baked bid to win concert tickets. The bakery chain was running a competition to find the Scots singer's best lookalike which attracted the Someone You Loved hitmaker's best doppelgangers. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Ruth Johnston and Emily Philp ended up winning some tickets Credit: Tom Farmer 6 Fans recreated some iconic Lewis Capaldi looks Credit: lewiscapaldi/Instagram 6 Rachael and Nicole Gillespie were among the first to arrive Credit: Tom Farmer 6 Fans donned their best Capaldi looks Credit: Tom Farmer 6 Even our man Colan Lamont got involved Credit: Tom Farmer With tickets for the 28-year-old's tour dates selling like hot cakes - they were all bought within minutes - the event was one of the only ways to bag priceless briefs to see 'Scotland's Beyoncé' at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on September 13 and 14. Sisters Rachael Gillespie, 22, and Nicole , 24, from Edinburgh, queued from 7am and were the first through the door to claim the tickets. Rachael said: 'We're so happy to have won the tickets. We got here super early because we missed out on both pre-sale and general sale. 'It was an amazing day and we made friends with plenty of other Lewis Capaldi fans.' Nicole added: 'We were devastated when we missed out on tickets so this is the most amazing feeling.' Greggs had 125 pairs of tickets on offer - with 25 each to be won at events in Glasgow, Salford, London, Birmingham and Sheffield. Some punters looked the spitting image of the chart-topper - who stormed back to number one with new single Survive this month after bravely battling back from the health issues that forced him to end his Glastonbury gig early two years ago. Capaldi is a well known fan of Greggs and shocked fans in 2019 when he got behind the counter at a Middlesbrough outlet wearing the full uniform, including hairnet, while claiming to be on work experience. Ruth Johnston, 26, and Emily Philp, 21, from Howwood, made their own body suits for the occassion and led singalongs as they got into character. Emily said: 'We're both massive fans. I met him once at a signing as well. Lewis Capaldi opens up about his return to the Glastonbury stage "I love his music and everything about him - especially how down to earth he is.' Ruth added: 'I think we were number 30,000 in the queue when we tried to get tickets so this was the only way. 'We knew we had to go all out and I think we were able to draw on the confidence of Lewis Capaldi by dressing up as him.' Our man gets his Lewis look on BY COLAN LAMONT LEWIS Capaldi has a hit song called Grace - but I showed anything but trying to dress up as the superstar. While fans made getting ready for the Greggs lookalike contest look like a piece of cake, I was still busy learning how stop the towel on my head from falling off. Thankfully, I was in the one spot in Glasgow where looking like I'd just got out of the shower wasn't an issue. I was very impressed by the lengths some punters had gone to in an effort to win tickets for his gigs. If I get the opportunity to cosplay Capaldi again, I hope I'll look like less of a pie in the process. Gran Heather Todd, 67, from Fauldhouse, even got caught up in the excitement by recreating Capaldi's iconic towel pose. The pensioner is a big fan and wanted to do whatever it too to help her grandaughter Mollie and her friend Amie Gibb, both 13, go to their dream gig. She said: 'It was good fun and I was happy to help the girls win tickets to see their favourite singer.'
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Police Scotland ban uniformed officers from taking part in Pride march
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTTISH cops have been banned from marching in pride parades while on-duty. An LGBT+ march will be held on the streets of Glasgow today, but unlike previous years there will be no uniformed cops taking part. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A pride parade will be held in Glasgow today Credit: Getty 4 Uniformed cops will not be taking part Credit: Tom Farmer - The Sun Glasgow 4 The march decision followed a ruling from the High Court Credit: Tom Farmer It comes after an English police force was found to have "breached impartiality" by the High Court. Northumbria Police's Chief Constable was found to have acted unlawfully by allowing uniformed cops to take in part in last year's Newcastle Pride. It was argued officers taking part in the parade could harm the force's impartiality if a dispute kicked off between gender-critical and trans rights supporters. After the ruling, Scottish cops are now not marching in the event today in Glasgow. It is understood uniformed officers were already not taking part in the parade, but the court ruling saw force chiefs ditch plans for information stalls had been ditched. Officers will still be able to attend the pride parade if they are off duty. Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs told the Daily Mail: "Police Scotland has vast experience in policing events and in the coming days we will continue to do so in a professional, engaging, and proportionate manner. "Glasgow's Pride will be no different and we will continue to engage closely with event organisers, although no officers will participate in forthcoming events in uniform. "We continue to review the UK High Court judgement on Northumbria Police's participation in Newcastle Pride 2024 and its implications. "We will ensure Police Scotland's response to events continues to be in line with our values and code of ethics, providing a professional and impartial service which upholds the human rights of all." NYC Pride ends in chaos after teen girl shot in the head near Stonewall Inn hours after 50 hurt by bear spray attack The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-file cops welcomed the decision. SPF General Secretary David Kennedy said they support the values of pride but said officers taking part in any kind of march could harm the force's objectivity. He said: "The SPF proudly supports the principles and values of the Pride movement, including equality, inclusion, and the right of all individuals - regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity - to live free from discrimination and prejudice. "Participating in any march while on duty, including Pride, can give rise to questions around neutrality and may impact perceptions of police objectivity. "Officers who wish to take part in Pride events in their own time should be supported and encouraged to do so, and we welcome efforts to facilitate this wherever possible. 'Supporting Pride and supporting operational clarity are not mutually exclusive—we believe both can, and should, co-exist."
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Met Office warns 75mm of rain to fall TOMORROW as weather map reveals Scots to be drenched
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTLAND'S time in the sun is set to come to an end this weekend with a weather map predicting a washout on Saturday. The Met Office are warning of a serious soaking for half of Scotland tomorrow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Scots are set to be drenched tomorrow Credit: Tom Farmer 5 The Met Office warned up to 75mm of rain will fall Credit: Alamy 5 Some areas could be flooded Credit: Andrew Barr 5 A yellow rain warning is in place Credit: Met Office 5 A weather map has revealed the scale of the rainfall Credit: Met Office It's thought close to three inches of rain (75mm) could fall in a short space of time during the yellow warning period beginning 4pm and lasting until noon on Sunday. Warm air is moving up from England, leading to severe thunderstorms in the south. Here, forecasters say buildings could be damaged by floodwater and there is a slight chance power cuts could occur. The warning area covers most of the eastern half of the country, stretching as far west as Glasgow. The Met Office said: "Areas of heavy rain with isolated thunderstorms are expected to arrive from the south during Saturday afternoon, becoming persistent in places and leading to some large totals building up, particularly on southeast facing areas of high ground. "Many places are likely to see 20-30 mm, but some locations could see 50-75 mm in just a few hours." A weather map from the national forecaster shows the torrential rain moving north tomorrow. It will gradually move north through the afternoon and into Saturday night, leaving some brief rain spells in the early hours on Sunday. Weather have issued more warnings about the chaos the torrential downpours could cause. Some homes and businesses could be hit by power cuts caused by heavy rain. Watch shock moment rain pours through roof of busy Tesco in Dublin Some areas also have a small chance of being flooded. People on the roads could also see chaos from flooding. Bus, trains and ferry services could also be delayed or axed because of the bad weather. The Met Office added: "Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. "If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. "It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. "Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
First TRNSMT fans race into festival as 150,000 to descend on Glasgow Green amid scorching weekend heatwave
EXCITED TRNSMT revellers raced into Glasgow Green today as the first day of the extravaganza got underway. Music fans, already in high spirits, began flocking to the site at 11:30am this morning to see their favourite acts. Advertisement 6 Fest-ready punters piled into the site as soon as the gates opened Credit: Tom Farmer 6 Three generations of Script superfans were among the first in the queue Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 6 American rapper 50 Cent will headline the festival tonight Credit: PA 6 It comes as the country basks in temperatures as high as 27C today Credit: PA Fest-ready punters piled into the park as soon as the gates opened, dressed to the nines. American rapper 50 Cent will headline the festival tonight - his first appearance in Scotland since 2023. Before the rapper, fans will hear Irish pop group The Script and rising indie rock band Wet Leg. Glasgow band Twin Atlantic will also play on the first day. Advertisement Party-goers first in the queue included three generations of Script superfans, Sheila, Hayley, and Eleysha Crawford. Eleysha, 26, told The Scottish Sun: "I've loved The Script since I was nine years old and found them on YouTube. "And now my mum and gran love them too. "There's three generations at TRNSMT and we're so excited. Advertisement "We're actually going straight to Ireland to see the band in Limerick again tomorrow. 'We've been to see them literally hundreds of times and had to make sure we were first in the queue to see them today." Full list of TRNSMT bar prices revealed as pints are hiked up Revellers are set to bask in temperatures as high as 27C today as a mini-heatwave hits the country. Festival-goers have been urged to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen amid the scorching temperatures. Advertisement There was disappointment for some fans today when festival organisers announced Wunderhorse had pulled out of their slot tomorrow. The English rockers were scheduled to perform at 2.10pm until 2.50pm on Saturday. 6 Gabriella McDonag, 18, and Ava Curtis, 17, from Carfin are ready to party Credit: Tom Farmer 6 150,000 revellers are set to descend on Glasgow Green over three days Credit: Michael Schofield Advertisement But they have been forced to withdraw from the extravaganza due to illness. They will be replaced by indie rocker Miles Kane. It comes weeks after Irish rappers Kneecap were axed from the TRNSMT line-up amid "safety concerns". It follows a row over an investigation by counter-terror police into rapper Mo Chara, who is accused of terrorism offences related to a Hezbollah flag he allegedly held up on stage. Advertisement The Belfast group, who perform in Irish, have been outspoken critics of the war in Gaza. Kneecap's festival slot was cancelled at the end of May over safety concerns by Police Scotland.
