Donald Trump departs for Scotland for five-day private trip

Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he departs for Scotland <i>(Image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)</i>
Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he departs for Scotland (Image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Donald Trump has departed for Scotland for a five-day private trip to the country.

The US president is expected to arrive at Prestwick Airport at around 8pm on Friday evening, before heading over to his Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire.

He is then expected to head over to his Menie golf course in Aberdeenshire before opening up a new course dedicated to his Scottish mother, who grew up on the Isle of Lewis.

He will leave the country at some point on Tuesday.

His presence will result in a significant operation from Police Scotland and thousands of officers, who are expected to deal with mass protests around his golf courses and major Scottish cities.


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Mr Trump will be greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray when he lands, with the minister pledging to give the American leader a “warm welcome”.

Trump will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his stay, when the pair will discuss the UK-US trade deal.

The US president will also meet with First Minister John Swinney during his stay. The SNP leader previously said he would have the opportunity to raise various issues with Mr Trump, including tariffs, Gaza and Ukraine.

Prior to his departure for Scotland, Trump said he is “looking forward” to meeting the “Scottish leader”.

Speaking to reporters, the US president also said he was going to have dinner at Turnberry with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and “then we’re going to go to the oil capital of Europe, which is Aberdeen”.

Trump will meet with First Minister John Swinney during his Scotland visitTrump will meet with First Minister John Swinney during his Scotland visit (Image: Twitter/X)

He added: “We’re going to have a good time. I think the Prime Minister and I get along very well.”

Asked about meeting with the First Minister, President Trump said that he has a “lot of love” for Scotland.

Speaking ahead of Trump's arrival, John Swinney said the global attention the visit will receive provides Scotland with an opportunity to respectfully demonstrate the principles of freedom and justice for all, while also promoting Scotland’s tourism sector and economic investment potential.

He 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.

“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.”

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