Donald Trump in Scotland: extensive security presence, demonstrations expected in several cities

The US president's arrival at Turnberry on Friday evening transformed this picturesque and usually quiet region in southwest Scotland into a veritable fortress, with roads closed and numerous police checkpoints set up. Police and military personnel were patrolling the historic golf course—which has hosted four men's British Opens—as well as the sandy beaches and grassy dunes that border it on Saturday morning. Snipers were positioned on scaffolding nearby.

Donald Trump landed at nearby Prestwick Airport on Friday evening, as hundreds of onlookers turned out to admire Air Force One and try to catch a glimpse of its famous passenger. The US president has repeatedly praised his love for Scotland, where his mother was born, but his policies and the local investments of his family group have sparked controversy. At Turnberry, his five-day visit has been divisive.

"A lot of people don't trust Trump, and I'm one of them. I think he's a megalomaniac," said retired Graham Hodgson. "He's doing a lot of harm to the world with his tariffs," he added.

But at Prestwick Airport on Friday night, the US president's supporters were also making their voices heard. One boy carried a placard reading "Welcome Trump," while a man waved a large blue flag reading "Make America Great Again." "The best thing about Trump is that he's not a politician [...] and I think he's all about his country," said Lee McLean, 46, who traveled from the nearby town of Kilmarncock. He said this is what all politicians should do "before they worry about what's going on abroad."

For Scottish police, Trump's visit has triggered a major security operation, for which they have secured reinforcements from other police forces across the country. The Stop Trump Coalition group has announced demonstrations on Saturday near the US consulate in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh (southeast), as well as in Aberdeen, where the American president is scheduled to visit his second golf resort. Police are also preparing for rallies at Turnberry itself, where Trump is scheduled to spend the day and play golf at what he called "the best course in the world" upon his arrival on Friday.

"I'm in Scotland now. Lots of meetings planned!!!" the US president announced shortly after his arrival on his Truth Social network. On Sunday, he is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for talks on the trade deal the EU hopes to conclude to avoid massive tariffs.