Donald Trump landed in Scotland on Friday night. By Saturday, the protests were already loud and growing.
Crowds gathered in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and near the US consulate to protest the president’s visit. Demonstrators held signs calling Trump a threat to peace, while others waved Palestinian flags and “Free Gaza” banners. This came just one day after Trump dismissed France’s recognition of a Palestinian state, saying it “doesn’t matter.”
HAPPENING NOW: Thousands of protesters have gathered in Edinburgh, Scotland, to protest against Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/Ykklc2dHMs
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) July 26, 2025
Meanwhile, Trump spent Saturday morning playing golf at his Trump Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire. He arrived under tight security with roads blocked off and police stationed around the course. Snipers were spotted on raised scaffolding, while counter-terrorism officers, navy personnel, and army units completed security sweeps.
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Music played loudly from his golf cart as Trump drove across the course. According to Sky News, the president blasted tracks like “Uptown Girl,” “Memory,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” while riding around in a caddie.
The resort has been under heavy surveillance since Friday night, when Trump landed at Prestwick Airport. Locals reported road closures, restricted access to the area, and a large police presence early Saturday morning.
More protests are planned through the weekend. The Stop Trump Coalition organized a midday rally near the American consulate in Edinburgh. Police closed off access to Regent Terrace, where hundreds gathered for the demonstration.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney urged demonstrators to stay peaceful. “People have a right to protest, but they should do so within the law,” he said.
Trump’s visit is labeled private, but he is expected to meet with key political leaders. On Sunday, he’s scheduled to sit down with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On Monday, he will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Swinney is also on the list of meetings during the trip.
Back at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening, crowds turned out to watch Air Force One land. It marked the beginning of Trump’s multi-day stay in Scotland, and many residents are using the moment to make their voices heard.
Police Scotland is under pressure to manage security while protests continue. The force has called for help from across the UK. Around 1,500 officers from England and Wales have been sent in to support operations during Trump’s stay.
Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said the operation would not be easy. “The private visit of President Donald Trump to Scotland at the end of July will require the Police Service of Scotland to plan for and deliver a significant operation across the country over many days,” he said.
“This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control.”
Featured image via Screengrab
