Protests erupt in Scotland as Trump golfs at Turnberry amid tight security

Saturday 26 July 2025 - 14:30

Edinburgh, July 26, 2025 – Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Saturday to protest the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, who spent the morning golfing at his Turnberry resort under heavy police surveillance.

Accompanied by his son Eric and braving the Scottish rain, Trump hit his first shots on the iconic course, a luxury property owned by his family business. His arrival Friday night transformed the typically peaceful southwest Scottish countryside into a high-security zone, with road closures, police checkpoints, and patrols by both police and military forces.

Security was particularly tight around Turnberry, which has hosted four British Open championships. Players on the course were searched before the president made his appearance.

The Scottish police, supported by reinforcements from other regions, launched a major operation to manage the visit. By late morning, crowds had gathered in front of the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh and in the northern city of Aberdeen, near another Trump golf resort he is expected to visit.

The protests were organized by the "Stop Trump Coalition." Signs reading "Scotland Hates Trump" and Palestinian flags were visible among the demonstrators. In Aberdeen, one protester held a placard depicting Trump with devil horns, according to AFP footage.

While Trump has often declared his love for Scotland—his mother was born there—his policies and controversial investments have not always been well received. “Many people don’t trust Trump, and I’m one of them,” said Graham Hodgson, a retired local. “He’s doing a lot of damage around the world with his trade tariffs.”

Despite the backlash, Trump was welcomed by a small group of supporters at Prestwick Airport. One boy held a sign reading "Welcome Trump," while another waved a “Make America Great Again” flag. “The best thing about Trump is that he’s not a politician,” said Lee McLean from nearby Kilmarnock. “He puts his country first, and that’s what leaders should do.”

Upon arrival, Trump posted on Truth Social: “I’m in Scotland now. Lots of meetings scheduled!!” He is expected to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to discuss trade, followed by a meeting Monday with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump hailed the recent UK-US trade agreement as a “celebration,” but London still hopes for long-term reductions on steel and aluminum tariffs. He also used the opportunity to comment on European immigration, urging EU countries to “get a grip” and “end this terrible invasion.”