Police in Scotland are preparing for a potential visit by US President Donald Trump later this month, expected to include the opening of a new golf course at his Aberdeenshire resort. The long-rumoured trip, which would not involve a meeting with King Charles, is anticipated to draw large-scale protests, according to Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond.
Bond confirmed on Wednesday that planning is underway for the visit, though no official confirmation has been made. The new 18-hole course at Menie, north of Aberdeen, is named after Trump's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who was born on the Isle of Lewis. Trump is not expected to visit London during the trip.
Protests are likely to mirror those during Trump's 2018 visit, when demonstrations occurred in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. Since then, controversy around his policies has escalated, with several arrests for criminal damage at his Turnberry resort earlier this year.
The visit comes ahead of a rare second state visit to the UK in September, which would include a state dinner at Windsor Castle and possibly an address to parliament. Downing Street views the state visit as crucial given Trump's trade wars and stance on Ukraine.
Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine urged a hard-headed approach, saying the visit could help alleviate tariff threats to Scottish businesses. However, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie called Trump unwelcome, describing him as a convicted felon and political extremist.
