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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Scots Protest Trump's Visit as He Plays Golf at Turnberry
President Trump kicked off his Scotland trip by going golfing in Turnberry, while anti-Trump demonstrators protested his visit. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
JONATHAN BROCKLEBANK: 6,000 cops, miles of steel and the dog walkers baffled by the most expensive round of golf EVER!
Officially it is a two-centre golfing break in Scotland – the kind favoured by many a rich American crossing the pond this summer. The trip takes in a prestigious west coast course and a round on a newly complete east coast one, with the last word in luxury accommodation a short walk from the first tee at each. But no long weekend on the fairways in Scotland has ever looked quite like this one. This one has commandeered almost a third of Police Scotland's manpower to make sure things go smoothly. This one had officers in high viz vests swarming over greens, tees, fairways and rough hours before the holidaymaker even boarded his flight from Washington DC. It had police with dogs, on horseback and even officers on quad bikes as they patrolled a mile-long expanse of empty beach which they have closed off to the public. It even had a security tower with police sharp shooters atop it. US President Donald Trump is a man partial to superlatives. Well, his sojourn at Turnberry, in Ayrshire, and the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire abounds in them. It is surely the most expensive golfing trip on these isles ever contemplated. How many others involved flying in a motorcade by military jet days in advance? Further preparations have included throwing up rings of steel around the Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire courses and accommodation - all of which, of course, the vacationing president happens to own. Rounds were still being played by regular golfers (albeit paying up to £1,000 a time) at Turnberry yesterday. But the golf was happening behind miles of newly erected 10ft fences with ultra-fine mesh, and only after rigorous ID and vehicle checks. On the tee of the third hole, which lies closest to a stretch of shore still accessible to the public, the foursomes hitting their drives were easily outnumbered by police patrols. Nor, surely, has any golfing weekend boasted the epic supporting cast of this one. Up to 6,000 police officers - many drafted in from forces outside Scotland - are on some form of Trump detail this weekend. They were arriving at Turnberry yesterday not by the traditional vanload but by the coachload - three in the space of four minutes. And let us not forget the protesters. Thousands of them are expected to make the extent of their displeasure felt in Edinburgh and Aberdeen this weekend - while others hope to do so within shouting distance at his golf courses. Also among the bit part players are Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney, both of whom will be afforded audiences with Mr Trump - one in each of his Scottish residences - over the next few days. There was a time during his days as a mere billionaire tycoon when a Trump visit to one of his Scottish properties brought a splash of colour and a smattering of press to the local area. It would bring his private jet - a 727 - with the Trump name emblazoned on the fuselage in gold lettering. Today, as president, he arrives in Air Force One - and brings those same areas to a standstill. 'We came here for a quiet life,' says Bill Fletcher, 73, who moved to Turnberry from Stratford Upon Avon a year ago. 'But there's just so much security and it arrived here so early. We can't get on the beach to walk the dog. I suppose you have to expect it for the most important person in the world - or someone who thinks he is.' His view of the president is likely similar to many of the householders in this upmarket enclave of detached houses and holiday homes. 'I don't like some of his policies and he can be quite unpredictable,' he says. 'But he's got some things right and I wish we were as firm here as he is.' Along the road in the Balkenna Tearoom, staff were bracing themselves for protesters mobbing their carpark as they did during Mr Trump's last presidential visit in 2018. 'We've a sign up saying 'patrons only' this time,' says a waitress. 'It's going to be pandemonium.' On his visit during his first term as president, a protester managed to fly an aircraft trailing an anti-Trump banner over the Ailsa championship course. This time around, you cannot fly so much as a kite or model aeroplane in the area. Don't even think about a drone or a balloon. 'No Fly Zone' signs dotted all around advise people seeing anyone attempting to do so to call 999. And yet, here at least, the disruption is met with a degree of understanding. It is less than a year since there was an attempt on Mr Trump's life on a golf course. The gunman hid in shrubbery at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Weeks earlier, on the campaign trail he was hit in the ear by a sniper's bullet. 'I don't like him personally but I suppose we have to put up with it, and it doesn't happen very often,' says David Browning, 84, who lives a few hundred yards from the Turnberry clubhouse. 'And I've got say, he does a lot for Turnberry which was looking pretty tired before he bought it.' Does he visit the spruced-up hotel much himself? 'Occasionally, but you've got to have lined pockets for that,' Mr Browning said, adding that he hopes the president is successful in bringing the Open championship back to Turnberry - even if it is 'obviously an ego thing'. There is at least a whiff of suspicion that a key objective of the Trump visit to Scotland may be to lobby for the Open to come to his course. While it remains on governing body the Royal and Ancient's roster for the championship, Turnberry has not played host since the American snapped it up in 2014 - something that clearly eats at the president. A less cynical interpretation of the visit - described as 'private' by the White House - would have Mr Trump making a long awaited return to a land that is undeniably dear to him and in which he has invested heavily. His mother Mary Anne MacLeod was from the Hebridean isle of Lewis. On this visit he is due to open his second golf course in Aberdeenshire, the New Course, which will include a new memorial garden to honour his mother with a centrepiece that will be made from stone imported from Lewis. Massive security measures were already in place at that Trump facility yesterday, days ahead of the president's arrival. In the early hours, a deer was an early casualty in the operation. It had to be euthanised after being knocked down by a police vehicle patrolling the Trump estate. Both his Scottish properties have been targeted by protesters in recent months. Activists daubed red paint over much of the Turnberry resort in March. The president described them as 'terrorists' who 'did serious damage and will hopefully be treated harshly'. In Aberdeenshire, meanwhile, a placard this week proclaimed the estate was 'twinned with Epstein Island' - a reference to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein whose relationship with Mr Trump is under renewed scrutiny. Protests in Edinburgh are expected to target the US Consulate, which the Trump administration has threatened with closure. Alena Ivanova, a campaigner with the Stop Trump Coalition said: 'Donald Trump may shake hands with our leaders, but he's no friend of Scotland. 'We, the people of Scotland, see the damage he has done - to democracy and working people in the US, to the global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, to the very principles of justice and humanity. 'Trump is not welcome because he represents all that Scottish people reject.' She certainly did not speak for everyone. Jackie McDowall posted online that her six-year-old son Ricky was 'desperate' to see the President and his motorcade making their way to Turnberry. She wrote: 'Right, so obviously I know nobody's going know exactly where Donald Trump is going be etc, but does anyone know roughly his route to Turnberry and time or anything? 'I've a wee six year old desperate just for a tiny wee glimpse of the President or even his entourage. 'Ideally he would like to meet the man himself have a quick chat and at least get to shake his hand.' That, certainly, was what Scottish Secretary Ian Murray was waiting to do on the tarmac at Prestwick Airport last night. Where exactly it goes from there, who can tell? The president's long weekend in Scotland has begun. It will, naturally, be the biggest ever - and possibly the maddest.
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Trump's Scotland foray clouded by Gaza suffering
Air Force One is set to land in a corner of Scotland late on Friday, with an armoured motorcade ready to ferry US President Donald Trump through police lines to spend the next few days golfing. Mr Trump's trip − his first to the UK since his second term began in January − is a private visit, the main purpose of which appears to be to spend time at his two Scottish golf courses, Trump International at Menie in Aberdeenshire and Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire. But it is unlikely that the President will be isolated from events in the wider world during his golf break. If the TVs at the Trump International clubhouse are showing news channels, the US team will see starvation in Gaza is dominating the news agenda. Keir Starmer is meeting the President on Monday, presenting the British Prime Minister with a dilemma. Mr Starmer is under intense pressure to follow France's lead and recognise a Palestinian state. With Mr Trump largely unapologetic for his military and political support for the Israeli government, his visit will likely be framed by demonstrations with mass protests promised in Scotland's cities. The Scottish government has confirmed that First Minister John Swinney will also meet the President during his visit. Fairway meetings Not being a golfer, Mr Starmer will greet Mr Trump a short drive away from the greens of Turnberry on the Ayrshire coast − where a peak season round costs £1,000 ($1,350) − for lunch and a bilateral meeting. The original plan was to press Britain's case to evade Mr Trump's harshest tariffs, avoiding 25 per cent on steel exports and a potential 200 per cent hike on pharmaceuticals that are worth £9 billion a year to Britain. But the grim news of starvation in Gaza and political momentum over formal Palestinian state recognition mean the Middle East will now top the agenda. It will be a difficult political balancing act for Mr Starmer as America has just pulled out of ceasefire talks with Hamas, while members of the UK leader's cabinet are calling for Palestinian recognition and a much firmer line towards Israel. Scores of MPs from across the UK's political parties have also written a letter urging for the move. Amid this, Mr Starmer will attempt to continue his campaign of seeking to befriend Mr Trump, keeping him onside over support for Ukraine and Nato. There's a possibility that if the pair's chats continue, Mr Starmer might be invited on Air Force One for the short flight to Aberdeenshire, to Trump International at Menie, where the president will open a new course with a round. But in Scotland's cities, anger over the war in Gaza is expected to see thousands turn out in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen to protest. Influencing Trump The politics over Palestine and other issues will be a challenge, former junior foreign minister Tobias Ellwood told The National. 'However much you might disagree with the individual, Mr Trump represents our closest security ally and, therefore, any opportunity to strengthen that bond, as well as take advantage of behind the scenes back-channel communications, should absolutely be leveraged,' said the former Conservative MP. That will provide Mr Starmer with the chance to ask Mr Trump to influence Israel on getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and obtaining a ceasefire. 'It's very difficult to see any of the challenges that we face across the world not moving forward without American involvement,' Mr Ellwood said. 'One thing that Britain has always done well is influencing, giving some thought leadership towards shaping America's opinion. So, this is a welcome opportunity to help shape and finesse American foreign policy, particularly on the Middle East.' Police operation Mr Trump's visit comes weeks after campaign group Palestine Action was banned under UK anti-terrorism laws. Scottish police have already issued a warning that anyone displaying support for the group will be arrested, with police following through on their threat by detaining a protester in Glasgow holding a 'Genocide in PALESTINE Time for ACTION' banner. 'Any support for Palestine Action, be that in terms of clothes worn, be that in terms of banners held, is now an offence under the Terrorism Act and people are liable to arrest for those offences,' said Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond of Police Scotland, who is leading the security operation. Officers have been drafted in from across Britain. More than 5,000 are expected to take part in a five-day operation that is likely to exceed the £14.2m ($19.1) cost of Mr Trump's 2018 visit. Convoys of police vehicles have been seen heading up to Scotland this week from England. Metal fences have been erected around golfing links and vehicle checkpoints set up. Below par? If the 2018 trip sets a precedent, the police will be under even greater pressure given that the Israel-Gaza war is causing political ructions. Back then officers had to contend with protesters booing Mr Trump during a game of golf and hundreds of demonstrators on the perimeter of Turnberry. It was rounded off with a man flying a paraglider over the Turnberry hotel with a banner reading 'Trump: well below par #resist', in breach of the air exclusion zone. Publicity stunts will certainly be attempted again, with groups of protesters gathering, many under the Stop Trump Coalition that has pro-Palestine supporters, trade unionist and anti-Trump demonstrators in its ranks. One organiser highlighted opposition to the plan suggested by Mt Trump to develop Gaza into a tourist resort, with its Palestinian inhabitants moved to Egypt or Jordan. 'We stand in solidarity with the Palestinians who will not be forced out of Gaza so that Trump's 'Riviera of the Middle East' can be built on its mass graves,' the spokesman said. Vance bogey Mr Trump has deep roots in Britain. His mother was from the Outer Hebrides and emigrated to New York aged 18, later marrying his father Fred Trump, a property developer. That heritage stretches too to his Vice President JD Vance, who has Scots-Irish ancestry, and will spend his summer amid the low hills and stone cottages of England's Cotswolds. As with previous holidays in America, Mr Vance is likely to have to contend with demonstrators as he tries to relax with his wife and three young children. 'JD Vance is every bit as unwelcome in the UK as Donald Trump,' said the spokesman for the Stop Trump Coalition. 'We are sure that, even in the Cotswolds, he will find the resistance waiting.' The group said Mr Trump's formal state visit to Britain in September, where he will be accompanied by his wife Melania as they stay at Windsor Castle and dine with King Charles III, will also be met by protests.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Trump's golfing weekend in Scotland is an even bigger headache than his state visit
Donald Trump's golfing trip to Scotland this weekend has started to look like a few days of welcome relief for the US president. From Downing Street's perspective, however, it may all look a bit different. At home, Trump is embroiled in linked controversies that seem to have come out of the blue. Having seen off most of the legal challenges to the orders he issued in his first days back in office, he now faces a quasi-rebellion from his hitherto loyal and largely unquestioning base over a case that has little obvious bearing on high politics at all. These die-hard Trumpists were disappointed by official findings that the accused child-trafficker and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, did indeed die by suicide in prison and that there is, and was, no secret client list. They had shared a conspiracy theory that Epstein was part of a shadowy elite, that he had been killed to keep him quiet, and that after Trump came to power, the truth would emerge. Now, Trump is himself being accused of an establishment cover-up, and is confronting a social media storm that even this master of the medium is struggling to control. Trump has also launched lawsuits against the Wall Street Journal, its proprietor, Rupert Murdoch, and two journalists, denying a report of links between Trump and Epstein, including a bawdy birthday greeting allegedly sent by Trump. The prospect of a court confrontation between the two titans is tantalising. Trump has also ordered files relating to the Epstein case to be published, and both his attorney general and Congress want to question Ghislaine Maxwell – the only person convicted in connection with the case so far. It may be surmised that they hope to tempt Maxwell with a reduction in her 20-year sentence and persuade her to offer some 'helpful' evidence. With only a year until the start of the midterm congressional election campaign, Trump needs to keep his base intact. No wonder four days in the wilds of Scotland – the homeland of his late mother and two Trump-owned golf courses, including a new resort on the Menie Estate, outside Aberdeen – might look like a welcome distraction. His foes on this side of the Atlantic are already tuning up – wags have put up a spoof sign at his golf course near Aberdeen that says 'twinned with Epstein Island' – and elaborate police and security operations are in train. When Trump last visited his Scottish businesses two years ago, he was not president. Now, even on a private visit, he requires presidential-level security, at least some of which must be supplied and paid for by the host country. The timing of this trip, less than one month before Trump's unprecedented second state visit to the UK, adds risk. Any infelicities, real or perceived, on either side now are in danger of negatively colouring the later visit, the invitation for which was conveyed by Keir Starmer during his trip to the White House soon after Trump's inauguration. Since then, content, timing and tone have all been in contention. The recent state visit by France's President Macron, with its especially high pageantry, address to parliament, and prominent deployment of the Prince and Princess of Wales, seemed top-of-the-line. Like the Macrons, the Trumps will stay at Windsor Castle, but this occasion has been timed to exclude the possibility of a parliamentary address and the visit to Balmoral that Trump angled for. Nor, the Palace has made clear, will the King be meeting Trump during his golfing weekend. The private and state visits are wisely being kept distinct. At government level, in contrast, a different choice has been made. The prime minister is expected to hold talks with Trump, potentially on every current issue, from trade tariffs to Ukraine, in or near Aberdeen, and possibly at Trump's golf course. There will also be a meeting with Scotland's first minister, John Swinney, who has decided that it is his duty 'to engage, to protect and to promote the interests of the people of Scotland', despite vocal opposition from other groups. Now, it could be said that Starmer, in particular, was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. Given that the decision has been taken, however, the aim must be to limit any damage. Anything that smacks of paying tribute must be avoided, and that includes meeting Trump at his golf course and any announcement about awarding the 2028 British Open to the now Trump-owned Turnberry, as the president would reportedly like. By meeting Trump in Scotland, Starmer risks not only becoming the focus of protests himself but also party to the negative blowback from British public opinion. As much can go wrong as go right. The prime minister should have followed the Palace and left all official encounters for the main event, where the protocol is clear and risks of all kinds are minimised. After all, there are fewer than four weeks to wait.
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shirtless Zac Efron shows off his muscular physique while enjoying a day out golfing with his ripped brother Dylan as fans go WILD in the comments
Shirtless Zac Efron showed off his muscular physique as he enjoyed a day out golfing with his ripped lookalike brother Dylan on Tuesday. The High School Musical actor, 37, sent his followers into a frenzy with the clip as he had his ripped body on display. He was joined by influencer and producer Dylan, 33, as they showed off their putting skills and zoomed around the course on a golf buggy. Fans were loving the content, writing in the comments: 'So happy there's not a limit on how many times Instagram allows me to replay a video...', 'What kind of a fever dream am I in!', 'Everyone promise me we will never forget how fine Zac Efron is.' 'I volunteer as caddie'. Others joked that the golf course set up was similar to one iconic scene in High School Musical 2 which sees Zac's character Troy Bolton singing Bet On It and dramatically strutting across the green. They penned: 'Wasted opportunity to not use bet on it as the song!, while other shared gifs of the film moment. Back in May of this year Dylan hinted at a major career change as he joined his Traitors co-stars at Variety's FYC TV Fest in Hollywood. The star, works behind the scenes as a production coordinator and has been involved in many projects, including American Sniper, Live by Night and Ready Player One. In January, he made his reality TV debut on the third season of The Traitors US, which saw Dylan and his fellow Faithfuls vote to end the game and split $204,300 (roughly £153,600). In May, appearing on stage at the Meet the Makers event with his co-stars Rob Mariano, Dolores Catania, and Bob the Drag Queen, the star teased that fans could be seeing more of him. When asked by host Emily Longeretta if it was an immediate 'yes' to sign up to the reality competition show, he replied: 'No, it wasn't. Mine was just I'd never done reality show before. Fans were loving the content, writing in the comments: 'So happy there's not a limit on how many times Instagram allows me to replay a video...' Others joked that the golf course set up was similar to one iconic scene in High School Musical 2 which sees Zac's character Troy Bolton singing Bet On It and dramatically strutting across the green 'So, like I've been offered some auditions for shows, like Survivor and stuff, and, like, I've always turned them down.' He continued: 'So this was the first time where I'm like, all right, I think I can do this. And so it took a little while, but I said yes.' 'You turned down Survivor?' Emily asked. Dylan clarified: 'No I wasn't like offered Survivor. It was like, 'Hey we think you'd be good, when do you want to audition?' 'It was like stuff like that, like Love Islands and stuff, which I couldn't do. So then this one was like, all right, I might be ready.' Prior to appearing on The Traitors, which came to an end on March 6, his older brother sang high praise about him. Zac previously said he was confident that his younger brother would win and beat all of his costars. 'I think he's going to win,' Zac said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in June 2024. 'He's really good at games, and I just have a good feeling about it.' He also added that Dylan has always had luck on his side when it comes to gambling and games. 'He is just the best at games. Growing up, he was a first-roll-[at-Yahtzee]-kind-of-dude.'
