When Donald Trump touched down at Prestwick Airport on Friday night, what was meant to be a private golfing retreat quickly evolved into a major security operation.
Almost a third of Police Scotland’s resources are now stationed at Turnberry, watching every fairway and green as the former U.S. President tees off under a phalanx of guards and snipers.
It’s more than just a golf outing—it’s a highly controlled event with road closures, limited access for locals and media, and officers in high-visibility vests patrolling the grounds.
Morning Round at Turnberry as Winds of Protest Loom
By 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Trump—sporting a white “USA” cap—was on the course, swinging irons alongside his son Eric and the Secret Service.
A caddy’s high-five after the shot hinted it landed in the Green.
Meanwhile, other early golfers spotted the heightened presence but carried on with their games.
With no formal engagements on the schedule, Trump made the most of the clear morning before the planned trade talks and political meetings.
However, not everyone is looking forward to his stay.
Demonstrations are planned in Edinburgh and Aberdeen later in the day under the banner of the Stop Trump coalition, branding the event a “festival of resistance.”
Diplomacy and Discussion: Trump’s Private Talks Begin in Scotland
This private visit stretches across five days and includes high-profile meetings with UK leaders.
Trump is set to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney.
On Sunday, he’ll also sit down with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss transatlantic trade relations.
Despite the lack of official engagements on this first morning, business and politics are clearly floating in the air over the links.
A Security Operation Worth Millions Amid Protests
Police Scotland has requested backup from forces across the UK to manage both planned protests and general security—a task on par with the arrangements made for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
With an estimated £3 million taxpayer bill, the operation illustrates just how high-stakes Trump’s visit has become.
Swinney has urged protesters to remain peaceful and lawful, while officials prepare for a major test in managing both crowds and unrest across Ayrshire and beyond.
Trump’s Messaging Touches on Immigration and Wind Farms
On landing, Trump didn’t shy away from controversy.
He warned Europe that immigration is “killing” the continent and demanded leaders “get their act together.”
He also reignited his long-standing criticism of offshore wind farms, claiming they ruin landscapes, kill birds, and damage oceans.
He explicitly urged Europe to halt wind energy expansion, calling out its impact on scenic vistas and wildlife.
Trade on the Table: What’s at Stake for Scotland?
Trump’s itinerary includes multiple meetings with business figures at Turnberry and later in Aberdeenshire, which he referred to as “the oil capital of Europe.”
He also mentioned possible improvements to the US‑UK trade deal, though he emphasized the main deal is already concluded.
Scotland’s business community is optimistic. Leaders from whisky, defense, and industry have described Trump’s visit as an opportunity to reinforce ties with a major trading partner and reduce tariffs on exports.
Economic Hopes and a Personal Connection with Scotland
Scotch whisky producers and export-driven businesses want Trump to ease the current 10% duty on malt and blend whisky imports to the U.S. Trump, meanwhile, has expressed his fondness for Scotland—highlighting his mother’s heritage and his personal and financial investment in the nation.
He’s enthusiastic about the idea of the Open championship at Turnberry and confident the course is world-class, saying “the best course anywhere in the world is Turnberry.”
Political Reactions and Trade Expectations
Despite past political tensions, Scotland’s Labour Secretary Ian Murray welcomed Trump to Turnberry, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves framed the visit as in Britain’s “national interest.”
Reeves pointed out that Britain, through Starmer, was the first country to land a post-Brexit trade deal with Trump’s administration, with clear benefits for industries like Scotch whisky and defence manufacturing.
Meanwhile, First Minister Swinney plans to use his meeting to speak for Scotland not only on trade, but international issues such as Gaza—making sure the country’s voice is heard at the table.
Can Scotland Balance Security, Diplomacy, and Demonstration?
With protests expected in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and snipers overlooking Trump’s golf outings, Police Scotland finds itself walking a fine line between facilitating diplomacy, ensuring safety, and managing dissent.
As many eyes turn to Turnberry and beyond, the question remains—can this high-stakes visit deliver economic opportunities while keeping Scotland calm and fair?