Huge military operation locks down Scottish golf course as Donald Trump plays a round after warning 'horrible invasion' of migrants is 'killing Europe'
Share and Follow

Donald Trump is enjoying a round of golf at Turnberry after every inch of the course was scoured in a massive military operation. 

The President of the United States began his golf game at around 10:15 a.m. wearing a white ‘USA’ baseball cap. He was joined by his son, Eric, along with a group of Secret Service agents for security.

Mr Trump was filmed striking an iron before receiving a high-five from a caddy – suggesting the shot went as hoped. 

Upon arriving at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening, he addressed the media, expressing concerns about a ‘horrible invasion’ of migrants that he claimed was detrimental to Europe.

Due to this private visit, nearly a third of Police Scotland’s workforce has been utilized. This morning, officers in high-visibility vests were observed patrolling the golf course, while snipers kept watch from towers strategically positioned around the area.

Police also have road closures in place, with limited access for locals and members of the media. Amid the search, a few golfers were also spotted at the course, enjoying an early-morning game.

Mr Trump is staying at Turnberry for the start of a five-day private visit to Scotland which will see him have talks with both UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney.

A meeting has also been scheduled for him to talk about trade with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday.

Mr Trump is staying at Turnberry for the start of a five-day private visit to Scotland

Mr Trump is staying at Turnberry for the start of a five-day private visit to Scotland

Mr Trump was filmed striking an iron before receiving a high-five from a caddy - suggesting the shot went as hoped

Mr Trump was filmed striking an iron before receiving a high-five from a caddy – suggesting the shot went as hoped 

The Beast was spotted this morning decked out with a Saltire

The Beast was spotted this morning decked out with a Saltire  

The giant operation is thought to involve one third of Police Scotland's manpower

The giant operation is thought to involve one third of Police Scotland’s manpower 

Police snipers on the roof of Trump Turnberry during the president's visit

Police snipers on the roof of Trump Turnberry during the president’s visit 

The President is a well-known golf enthusiast who regularly boasts about his Scottish courses

The President is a well-known golf enthusiast who regularly boasts about his Scottish courses 

With no talks apparently scheduled today, the President – a well-known golf enthusiast – is free to enjoy a round.

However, protests have been planned, with opponents of Mr Trump expected to gather in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen later on today, with the Stop Trump coalition planning what it has described as being a ‘festival of resistance’.

As well as visiting Trump Turnberry, Mr Trump will head to Aberdeenshire later in his visit and is expected to open a second course at his golf resort in Balmedie.

As he landed in Ayrshire yesterday, the President took questions from journalists, telling Europe to ‘get your act together’ on immigration, which he said was ‘killing’ the continent.

He also praised Sir Keir, who he described as a ‘good man’, but added that the UK Prime Minister is ‘slightly more liberal than I am’.

Today will be the first real test of Police Scotland during the visit as it looks to control the demonstrations in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as any which spring up near to the president’s course.

The force has asked for support from others around the UK to bolster officer numbers, with both organisations representing senior officers and the rank-and-file claiming there is likely to be an impact on policing across the country for the duration of the visit.

Before the visit started, Mr Swinney appealed to Scots to protest ‘peacefully and within the law’.

Mr Trump was accompanied by a huge entourage, including a caddy and a phalanx of Secret Service agents

Mr Trump was accompanied by a huge entourage, including a caddy and a phalanx of Secret Service agents 

Mr Trump's son, Eric, accompanied him during his morning round

Mr Trump’s son, Eric, accompanied him during his morning round 

Mr Trump is a keen golfer and often speaks about his love for Turnberry

Mr Trump is a keen golfer and often speaks about his love for Turnberry 

At one point, Mr Trump appeared to veer off the fairway and into the rough

The president strikes a ball during this morning's round

At one point, Mr Trump appeared to veer off the fairway and into the rough

Secret Service agents in golf buggies carry out searches at Trump Turnberry prior to Donald Trump's round of golf

Secret Service agents in golf buggies carry out searches at Trump Turnberry prior to Donald Trump’s round of golf 

Mr Trump waves from his buggy as he enjoys a round at Turnberry

Mr Trump waves from his buggy as he enjoys a round at Turnberry 

The president is not allowed to drive cars on the road due to security rules - but golf buggies appear to the an exception

The president is not allowed to drive cars on the road due to security rules – but golf buggies appear to the an exception

A police sniffer dog helped to ensure the course was clear for Mr Trump

A police sniffer dog helped to ensure the course was clear for Mr Trump

Snipers watch on from the clubhouse roof

Snipers watch on from the clubhouse roof 

There is a massive media presence at the golf course in Aberdeenshire

There is a massive media presence at the golf course in Aberdeenshire 

Mr Trump holds a put on the fourth hole of his Turnberry golf course

Mr Trump holds a put on the fourth hole of his Turnberry golf course 

This wider view gives an idea of the size of the president's entourage

This wider view gives an idea of the size of the president’s entourage 

The trip has now commandeered almost a third of Police Scotland's manpower and this morning officers in high viz vests were seen swarming over greens, tees and fairways

The trip has now commandeered almost a third of Police Scotland’s manpower and this morning officers in high viz vests were seen swarming over greens, tees and fairways

Police officers and soldiers sweep the golf course with search poles this morning

Police officers and soldiers sweep the golf course with search poles this morning 

The massive operation will ensure the President has nothing to worry about during his round

The massive operation will ensure the President has nothing to worry about during his round 

Police also have road closures in place around Trump Turnberry, which a police officer is seen searching today

Police also have road closures in place around Trump Turnberry, which a police officer is seen searching today

Mr Trump leans out of his buggy to find a ball during his round

Mr Trump leans out of his buggy to find a ball during his round 

The president walks away amid celebrations for a holed putt

The president walks away amid celebrations for a holed putt 

The course is surrounded by sand dunes and beaches, which are also being searched

The course is surrounded by sand dunes and beaches, which are also being searched 

The visit is expected to require a security operation as big as the arrangements for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022 – involving up to 6,000 officers – with taxpayers again facing a bill of more than £3million for policing his stay.

On the Prestwick runway Mr Trump renewed his war against the expansion of wind farms, which he previously opposed off the coast of his Menie course in Aberdeenshire.

He told reporters: ‘I say two things to Europe: stop the windmills, you are ruining your countries.

‘I really mean it. It’s so sad, you fly over and you see these windmills all over the place ruining your beautiful fields and valleys and killing your birds and if they are stuck in your oceans ruining your oceans.

‘On immigration, you’d better get your act together or you are not going to have Europe any more.’

He said he will be meeting with ‘numerous executives’ and ‘a lot of people’ at Turnberry and Aberdeen, which he said ‘is the oil capital of Europe’.

He said his talks with Sir Keir will be a ‘celebration’ of the US/UK trade deal but played down the prospects of changes, saying ‘the deal is concluded’.

Security fencing has been set up around parts of the course to screen it off from the general public

Security fencing has been set up around parts of the course to screen it off from the general public

The size of a golf course like Turnberry makes securing it a particular challenge

The size of a golf course like Turnberry makes securing it a particular challenge 

Soldiers were brought in to help with the search, which saw almost every inch of the course scoured by hand

Soldiers were brought in to help with the search, which saw almost every inch of the course scoured by hand 

Police used sticks to comb through the undergrowth

Police used sticks to comb through the undergrowth 

Searches continue at Trump Turnberry this morning amid the high-profile visit

Searches continue at Trump Turnberry this morning amid the high-profile visit 

At least a dozen officers form a line to search one single fairway on the course

At least a dozen officers form a line to search one single fairway on the course

Mr Trump has talked up the prospect of his Turnberry resort hosting the Open

Mr Trump has talked up the prospect of his Turnberry resort hosting the Open

The roof of the clubhouse is occupied by security staff and police snipers

The roof of the clubhouse is occupied by security staff and police snipers 

A police boat bobbing offshore

A police boat bobbing offshore 

Mr Trump also talked up the prospect of his Turnberry resort hosting the Open and dismissing concerns that infrastructure must be improved first.

He said: ‘I don’t know, the best course anywhere in the world is Turnberry, the players all want to be at Turnberry, everybody wants to be at Turnberry so we will see how that works out.’

As he set off from the White House on Air Force One, President Trump spoke of his love for Scotland and said at the time that he wants to talk about improvements to the US/UK trade deal with Sir Keir.

After landing late at Prestwick, he travelled to Trump Turnberry.

Business leaders say the trip is a ‘huge opportunity’ to strengthen Scotland’s economic ties with the world’s biggest economy and can pave the way for detailed discussions on trade and tariffs.

Talking about his plans with Sir Keir before leaving the US, Mr Trump said they will be having dinner at Turnberry then travelling to Aberdeen, which he described as ‘the oil capital of Europe’ to have lunch.

He said: ‘We are going to have a good time, the Prime Minister and I get along very well.’

On his proposed meeting with Mr Swinney, he said: ‘I have a lot of love (for Scotland), my mother was born in Scotland.

‘The Scottish leader’s a good man, and I look forward to meeting him.’

Turning to an aide, he said: ‘That’s all set up, right?’

People take part in a Stop Trump Scotland protest at the Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen

People take part in a Stop Trump Scotland protest at the Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen

Anti-Trump demonstrators gather during a rally organised by the campaign group Stop Trump Coalition in Edinburgh

Anti-Trump demonstrators gather during a rally organised by the campaign group Stop Trump Coalition in Edinburgh 

Demonstrators hold placards during a 'Stop Trump Coalition' protest near the US Consulate building in Edinburgh

Demonstrators hold placards during a ‘Stop Trump Coalition’ protest near the US Consulate building in Edinburgh

Some demonstrators in Edinburgh waved Palestine flags

Some demonstrators in Edinburgh waved Palestine flags 

One man carried a piece of fabric showing Mr Trump's faced crossed out

One man carried a piece of fabric showing Mr Trump’s faced crossed out

Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport at around 8.30pm yesterday

Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport at around 8.30pm yesterday 

Mr Trump spoke to members of the press after his transatlantic flight

Mr Trump spoke to members of the press after his transatlantic flight

Huge crowds turned out to see the US President arrive in the UK

Huge crowds turned out to see the US President arrive in the UK

Scotch whisky chiefs are desperate for the President to reduce or scrap the 10 per cent duty imposed on exports of malts and blends to the US.

Asked whether he will be doing any business deals with the UK, he said: ‘Yeah I’m going to meet with the Prime Minister right now, we’re going to be over there in about six hours, we’re meeting with the Prime Minister tonight.

‘We’re going to be talking about the trade deal that we made and maybe even improve it.’

He added that they will discuss ‘certain aspects that are good for both countries’ and also ‘do a little celebrating’.

Mr Trump was greeted by Labour’s Scottish Secretary Ian Murray at Turnberry, despite the Edinburgh South MP previously backing a House of Commons motion which called for his 2019 State visit to be cancelled and accused him of ‘misogynism, racism and xenophobia’.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday said the President’s visit to Scotland is in the ‘national interest’.

She said: ‘It’s in Britain’s national interest to have strong relations with the US administration and as a result of both that long-term special relationship, but actually more importantly, the work that our Prime Minister Keir Starmer has done in building that relationship with President Trump has meant that we were the first country in the world to secure a trade deal.

‘That has a tangible benefit for people here in Scotland, whether it is people working in the Scotch whisky industry or people working in the defence sector like here at Rolls-Royce, that trade deal means lower tariffs than any country in the world on things that we send to the US.’

Air Force One was the centre of attention as it touched down in Scotland

Air Force One was the centre of attention as it touched down in Scotland

Business leaders hope the visit will pave the way for agreements which can boost the Scottish and UK economies.

Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: ‘There are £30 billion reasons why the USA matters to Scotland and President Trump’s visit is a fantastic platform to showcase the best of Scottish business on a global stage.

‘We have a President who understands business, is a deal maker, is personally and financially invested in our nation, and appreciates the value of our world class products and services.

‘That’s a strong basis for a special relationship and a huge opportunity to strengthen Scotland’s economic ties with the world’s biggest economy and our largest export market outside the EU.’

Ahead of his own talks with the President, Mr Swinney said the meeting will be an opportunity to ‘essentially speak out for Scotland’ on international issues such as Gaza, as well as trade and the increase of business from the United States in Scotland.

He said: ‘There are clearly also significant international issues upon which the people of Scotland have a view and want to have that view expressed by their First Minister.

‘That relates to the awfulness of the situation in Gaza and the unbearable human suffering that is going on in Gaza.

‘I want to make sure that those concerns and those views are expressed to the president of the United States.

‘We have that opportunity, and I intend to take that opportunity to make sure that Scotland’s voice is heard.’

Mr Swinney also urged all of those set to protest against the president’s visit to do so ‘peacefully and to do so within the law’.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will meet US President Donald Trump in Scotland on Sunday.

Ms von der Leyen made the announcement on X, saying: ‘Following a good call with @POTUS, we have agreed to meet in Scotland on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations, and how we can keep them strong.’

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago Lawn community saves quinceañera after birthday girl Vianny Maldonado diagnosed with cancer

Chicago Lawn Community Rallies to Celebrate Vianny Maldonado’s Quinceañera After Cancer Diagnosis

CHICAGO (WLS) — A community is making Chicago Proud, pulling together to…
The 100 'big names' Ghislaine Maxwell was quizzed amid Musk bombshell

Ghislaine Maxwell Questioned on 100 High-Profile Individuals Following Shocking Revelations Involving Elon Musk

Ghislaine Maxwell was grilled about Prince Andrew during her nine-hour meeting with…
California home linked to 'TikTok cult' pastor Robert Shinn seen on Netflix raided in sex-trafficking probe

California House Connected to ‘TikTok Cult’ Leader Robert Shinn, Featured on Netflix, Undergoes Raid in Sex Trafficking Investigation

Federal agents converged on a California residence tied to the “TikTok Cult”…
Jeffrey Epstein embracing Ghislaine Maxwell

Attorney Reveals Ghislaine Maxwell Named 100 Associates Connected to Epstein to DOJ

() The Justice Department’s interview with Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell has…
'I'm Batman': Couple explains how they caught arson suspect in LA

Couple Shares How They Nabbed Arson Suspect in LA

() Los Angeles residents Scott Mitchell and Davanh DiMarco explained how they…
Chicago crime: Vigil honors Marcela Herrera, 22, killed in hit-and-run at Ashland, Cullerton on Southwest Side; fiancé injured

Chicago Crime: Vigil Commemorates Marcela Herrera, 22, Victim of Hit-and-Run at Ashland and Cullerton on the Southwest Side; Fiancé Sustains Injuries

CHICAGO (WLS) — A vigil was held Saturday on the Southwest Side…
Chef of San Francisco restaurant steps down after TikTok influencer says he made her cry

San Francisco Restaurant Chef Resigns Following TikTok Influencer’s Emotional Post

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – A new wine bar in San Francisco has…
Hulk Hogan's death resurfaces painful contradictions for Black wrestling fans

The Death of Hulk Hogan Highlights Difficult Contradictions for Black Wrestling Fans

One of Kazeem Famuyide’s earliest memories is sitting on his father’s lap…