Police Gear Up for Potential Donald Trump Visit to Scotland

Police Scotland has confirmed that preparations are underway for a potential visit by former US President Donald Trump to Scotland later this month. The visit is anticipated to coincide with the opening of his new golf course in Aberdeenshire. While an official confirmation of the visit has not yet been issued, authorities are proactively planning for what is expected to be a significant policing operation.

This potential visit marks Donald Trump’s first trip to Scotland since his electoral victory in the United States. His previous visit as president in 2018 was met with substantial public demonstrations, with thousands protesting across major Scottish cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen, underscoring the significant security measures that such visits necessitate.

The new 18-hole links course, named the MacLeod Course, is located at the Trump International resort in Menie, Aberdeenshire. Construction, which began with a groundbreaking ceremony involving Eric Trump and his father in 2023, aims to feature what the resort describes as “the largest sand dunes in Scotland.” Trump International asserts that this new course, alongside the original one completed in 2012, will offer “the greatest 36 holes in golf.” The resort has also highlighted the environmental credentials of the new course, claiming it is “one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable” ever built, despite past controversies where the dunes at Menie lost their protected environmental status.

It is understood that the visit, should it proceed, will not include a private meeting with King Charles. The former President is also scheduled for a full state visit to the UK later in the year, with expectations pointing towards September.

Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond of Police Scotland emphasized the importance of proactive preparation, stating, “While official confirmation has not yet been made, it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation.”

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