Swinney: Trump visit 'gives Scotland platform to make its voice heard'

He will meet the First Minister as well as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his private trip.

Trump is also expected to visit both his golf clubs in Scotland – in Aberdeenshire and South Ayrshire – during the four-day visit.

Speaking ahead of President Trump’s arrival, The First Minister said: “Scotland shares a strong friendship with the United States that goes back centuries. That partnership remains steadfast through economic, cultural and ancestral links – including of course, with the President himself.

The president is expected to meet John Swinney during his visit (Image: PA)

“As we welcome the President of the United States, Scotland will be showcased on the world stage. This provides Scotland with a platform to make its voice heard on the issues that matter, including war and peace, justice and democracy.

“It also includes the millions of Americans – many of them potential future tourists or investors in Scotland – who will watch their elected President as he visits our country.

“As First Minister it is my responsibility to advance our interests, raise global and humanitarian issues of significant importance, including the unimaginable suffering we are witnessing in Gaza, and ensure Scotland’s voice is heard at the highest levels of government across the world. That is exactly what I will do when I meet with President Trump during his time in Scotland."

Mr Swinney also said he is confident that "the vast majority of people protesting will do Scotland proud and demonstrate as they should – peacefully and lawfully". 

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He added: "I am also confident that Scotland’s police service can handle the challenge of keeping all our communities safe and, as they must, in maintaining the appropriate security any US President requires.

“This weekend is a landmark moment in our relationship with the United States, and I am certain it will be remembered for Scotland showing the world the very best of itself.”

The First Minister's comments come after Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the US President will receive a “warm welcome” from the UK Government when he touches down in Scotland on Friday.

Mr Murray is expected to meet Mr Trump as his plane arrives in Scotland.

The Scottish Secretary told BBC Radio Scotland: “We would always have a warm welcome for the president of the United States.

“The office of the president of the United States and the office of the Prime Minister are ones that work very, very closely together, and should do, because it’s in our national interest to do so.

“We should make sure those relationships are in place because it’s important for our defence, our security, our economy – especially for jobs – and it’s really, really important to the finer details of the US trade deal that’s been done.”

Protests are expected in parts of Scotland during the visit, with police expected to be stretched and requests for extra officers being issued to other forces in the UK.

The Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said policing will be “seriously affected”.

John Swinney said this week that Mr Trump’s time in Scotland would not put policing in a “detrimental position".