EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — President Donald Trump played golf Saturday at his course on Scotland’s coast while protesters around the country took to the streets to decry his visit and accuse United Kingdom leaders of pandering to the American.

Trump and his son Eric played with the U.S. ambassador to Britain, Warren Stephens, near Turnberry, a historic course that the Trump family’s company took over in 2014. Security was tight, and protesters kept at a distance wand unseen by the group during Trump’s round. He was dressed in black, with a white “USA” cap, and was spotted driving a golf cart.

The president appeared to play an opening nine holes, stop for lunch, then head out for nine more. By the middle of the afternoon, plainclothes security officials began leaving, suggesting Trump was done for the day.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the cobblestone and tree-lined street in front of the U.S. Consulate about 100 miles (160 kilometers) away in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Speakers told the crowd that Trump was not welcome and criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for striking a recent trade deal to avoid stiff U.S. tariffs on goods imported from the U.K.

Protests were planned in other cities as environmental activists, opponents of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza and pro-Ukraine groups loosely formed a “Stop Trump Coalition.” Anita Bhadani, an organizer, said the protests were “kind of like a carnival of resistance.”

June Osbourne, 52, a photographer and photo historian from Edinburgh wore a red cloak and white hood, recalling “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Osbourne held up picture of Trump with “Resist” stamped over his face.

“I think there are far too many countries that are feeling the pressure of Trump and that they feel that they have to accept him and we should not accept him here,” Osbourne said. The dual-U.S.-British citizen said the Republican president was “the worst thing that has happened to the world, the U.S., in decades.”

Trump’s late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland and the president has suggested he feels at home in the country. But the protesters did their best to change that.

“I don’t think I could just stand by and not do anything,” said Amy White, 15, of Edinburgh, who attended with her parents. She held a cardboard sign that said “We don’t negotiate with fascists.” She said ”so many people here loathe him. We’re not divided. We’re not divided by religion, or race or political allegiance, we’re just here together because we hate him.”

Other demonstrators held signs of pictures with Trump and Jeffrey Epstein as the fervor over files in the case has increasingly frustrated the president.

In the view of Mark Gorman, 63, of Edinburgh, “the vast majority of Scots have this sort of feeling about Trump that, even though he has Scottish roots, he’s a disgrace.” Gorman, who works in advertising, said he came out “because I have deep disdain for Donald Trump and everything that he stands for.”

Saturday’s protests were not nearly as large as the throngs that demonstrated across Scotland when Trump played at Turnberry during his first term in 2018.

But, as bagpipes played, people chanted “Trump Out!” and raised dozens of homemade signs that said things like “No red carpet for dictators,” “We don’t want you here” and “Stop Trump. Migrants welcome.”

One dog had a sign that said “No treats for tyrants.”

Some on the far right took to social media to call for gatherings supporting Trump in places such as Glasgow.

Trump also plans to talk trade with Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president. But golf is a major focus.

The family will also visit another Trump course near Aberdeen in northeastern Scotland, before returning to Washington on Tuesday. The Trumps will cut the ribbon and play a new, second course in that area, which officially opens to the public next month.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who is also set to meet with Trump during the visit, announced that public money will go to staging the 2025 Nexo Championship, previously known previously as the Scottish Championship, at Trump’s first course near Aberdeen next month.

“The Scottish Government recognizes the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy,” Swinney said.

At a protest Saturday in Aberdeen, Scottish Parliament member Maggie Chapman told the crowd of hundreds: “We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.”

The president has long lobbied for Turnberry to host the British Open, which it has not done since he took over ownership.

In a social media post Saturday, Trump quoted the retired golfer Gary Player as saying Turnberry was among the “Top Five Greatest Golf Courses” he had played in as a professional. The president, in the post, misspelled the city where his golf course is located.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the citizenship status for June Osbourne is U.S.-British, not U.S.-Scottish, and that the Trump family’s company took over Turnberry in 2014, not 2008.

Security tightens as Donald Trump plays golf at Turnberry

1 hour ago Share Save Mary McCool BBC Scotland News Share Save

Trump waves at the cameras while playing golf at Turnberry

A major security operation has ramped up as Donald Trump played golf on the first day of his private visit to Scotland. The US president teed off at his luxury resort Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire at about 10:00, having arrived at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening. The day passed without incident, while hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Aberdeen and Edinburgh to protest against the visit. Trump is due to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney over the next few days, as well as opening a second 18-hole course at his estate in Aberdeenshire.

The president said it was “great to be in Scotland” and has praised the leaders of both governments.

Questions have already been raised about the scale of the visit and the security implications, with police representatives raising concerns about the costs involved and the impact on staffing. Meanwhile members of the public showed their frustrations towards the president’s politics, including his views on climate change and his position on the conflict between Israel and Gaza, at the protests in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Many protesters carried signs referring to an expletive slogan made infamous by the late comedian Janey Godley in 2018. Anita Bhadani was among those who helped organise the Stop Trump Coalition protest outside the US Consulate General’s office in Edinburgh. She said: “We are really excited, across this whole weekend, there’s so many campaign groups turning out in the streets, taking in action in their communities or at rallies like this. It’s kind of like a carnival of resistance.” At the Aberdeen rally, protester Nicola Seal said: “We shouldn’t be hosting him. It’s costing vast amounts of taxpayers’ money, sucking enormous amounts of police resource.”

PA Media A demonstration took place in Edinburgh

Demonstrators also gathered outside His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen

Journalists, photographers and plane watchers were among the crowds who gathered to see Air Force One touch down at Prestwick just before 20:30 on Friday. Trump was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Warren Stephens, US Ambassador to the UK. The president spoke with journalists before a motorcade made up of more than two dozen vehicles escorted him to Turnberry. A number of roads have been closed in the area and police and military personnel have carried out sweeps around the resort. A security checkpoint has been put in place outside the hotel and a large fence has been erected around the course – although some golfers were able to use the Ailsa course from 07:30.

PA Media Trump plans to spend much of the weekend on the Turnberry course

EPA Trump’s son Eric, centre, was among the many people accompanying the president on his round of golf

PA Media Donald Trump waved to onlookers from his golf buggy

Trump played his round of golf with his son Eric, as well as US Ambassador Warren Stephens and his son. Their entourage included 15 other golf buggies. A round during peak summer season can cost £1,000 at Turnberry. There were no sign of any protesters around the course. Trump waved to photographers who had gathered on a beach dune for a vantage point as he walked to the fourth tee. The White House said that his son Donald Trump Jr was also accompanying him for the weekend.

PA Media A convoy of golf buggies followed Trump around the greens of Turnberry

Trump’s round coincided with an announcement by the Scottish government that £180,000 of public funding will support a tournament being held at his Aberdeenshire course next month. The 2025 Nexo Championship on the DP World Tour is taking place at Trump International Golf Links from 7-10 August. John Swinney said the cash boost showed the government “recognises the importance and benefits” of golf in the country. He added: “As the home of golf, we have a long-standing track record of support and I am proud this funding will further enhance Aberdeenshire’s reputation as a leading golfing destination and I am hopeful of securing further golfing events in future years.” Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie likened the awarding of public cash to the tournament to “handing some pocket money to the school bully”.

Reuters Members of the press gathered to watch Trump on the course

Trump is expected to meet Swinney on Monday, the same day he will see Starmer. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet the president on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations. The US president will travel back to Washington on Tuesday and is due to return to the UK for an official state visit in September. In his remarks to the press at Prestwick, Trump said European countries need to “get your act together” on migration, and “stop the windmills”, referring to wind farms.

PA Media From left to right – Warren Stephens, US Ambassador to the UK, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and US President Donald Trump at Prestwick

In 2019, his company Trump International lost a long-running court battle to stop a wind power development being built in the North Sea off Aberdeen. Trump argued that the project, which included 11 wind turbines, would spoil the view from his golf course at Menie. Swinney has said his meeting with Trump would present an opportunity to “essentially speak out for Scotland” on issues such as trade and the increase of business from the United States in Scotland. The first minister said he would also raise “significant international issues” including “the awfulness of the situation in Gaza”. He urged those set to protest against the president’s visit to do so “peacefully and to do so within the law”.

Reuters Military personnel and police carried out searches at Turnberry before Trump’s arrival

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Edinburgh and Aberdeen to voice their opposition to US President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland.

Demonstrators waved anti-Trump slogans objecting to his five-day trip to the country, while others brought ‘free Gaza’ signs and Palestinian flags. The support for the war-torn enclave comes after the president said on Friday that France’s recognition of a Palestinian state ‘doesn’t matter’.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump took to the golf course on the first full day of his visit, playing at Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire under the watchful eye of heavy security.

open image in gallery US President Donald Trump in a golf cart at his Trump Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire ( PA Wire )

The army, navy and counter-terrorism police were all present at Turnberry to complete security checks on the course with police snipers on standby in scaffolding set up next to the course.

Mr Trump blared “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel, “Memory” by Elaine Paige and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel as he drove his golf caddie around, according to Sky News.

The president flew into Scotland on Friday night, and after touching down at the nearby Prestwick Airport headed for the golf resort, which he bought in 2014.

Road closures have been implemented by police with limited access for locals and members of the media. A large number of police and military personnel were spotted searching the grounds on Saturday morning ahead of his game.

open image in gallery Hundreds of protesters brought anti-Trump signs ( Nick Forbes/PA Wire )

open image in gallery Many also brought Palestinian flags to show support for Gaza ( Nick Forbes/PA Wire )

While the president is expected to spend much of his first day in Scotland on his course, Mr Trump has meetings scheduled with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday.

Mr Trump drew crowds to Prestwick Airport on Friday evening as Air Force One touched down ahead of his four-day visit. Scots are set to gather across the country to protest his visit over the weekend.

First Minister John Swinney, also set to meet with the president during his time in Scotland, has urged people to protest “peacefully and within the law”.

open image in gallery The security at Trump’s course was heavy

Saturday is the first major test for Police Scotland during the president’s visit, with demonstrations near the American consulate organised by the Stop Trump Coalition. They will be on alert as well for any demonstrations near the president’s golf course. Access to the US consulate in Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, has been blocked since 7am ahead of the protest, which started at midday and saw hundreds of people gather.

In Aberdeen, Green north east Scotland MSP Maggie Chapman told the crowd of hundreds: “We stand in solidarity not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.”

open image in gallery The president is known for his love of the game ( Robert Perry/PA Wire )

Speaking about the US president, Ms Chapman said: “He believes that climate change isn’t real, he believes that cutting services for those in the world with the least is the right thing to do.

“We say no to all of those things, not in our name, never in our name.”

Tension brewed at the edge of the rally during the final speech as a passer-by appearing to argue with protesters wearing Palestinian colours; police intervened and led the individual away.

As speeches ended, chants of “Trump Trump Trump, out out out” could be heard, along with “Donald, Donald, hear us shout, all of Scotland wants you out”.

The force has asked for support from others across 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.

open image in gallery Anti-Trump protesters have gathered in Edinburgh ( REUTERS )

The first minister was criticised for announcing public money of £180,000 would support a tournament at the Trump International golf links in Aberdeenshire.

The 2025 Nexo Championship – previously known as the Scottish Championship – is set to take place there next month,.

Mr Swinney said: “The Scottish Government recognises the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy.”

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie likened Mr Swinney’s announcement to “handing some pocket money to the school bully basically with £180,000 to support a golf tournament at the Menie estate”.

open image in gallery Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening ( REUTERS )

Some 1,500 police officers have been redeployed across England and Wales for Mr Trump’s private visit following concerns from police that the trip would “undoubtedly stretch” police resources.

Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said: “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.

“This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control.”

Protesters have gathered in Edinburgh and Aberdeen as Donald Trump plays golf at his Turberry course in Scotland. The US President i in the UK for a four-day visit. Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire at around 8.30pm yesterday evening. The US president is expected to meet Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney ahead of his official state visit to the UK in September — during which he is set to meet King Charles.

Trump will also spend time at his golf courses during the trip, as security teams enforce a tight ring of steel around his movements. Around 5,000 personnel from the police and security services have been deployed, and snipers have already been spotted in position across parts of Scotland.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier this morning, Mr Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social: “I’m in Scotland now. Many meetings planned!!!”

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THIS STORY USING OUR BLOG BELOW…

Hundreds of protesters have been marching through the streets of Edinburgh and Aberdeen this afternoon after US President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland.

The 79-year-old drew crowds to Prestwick Airport on Friday evening as Air Force One touched down ahead of a four-day visit that will also take him to the club his family owns in Aberdeenshire.

With a meeting scheduled with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer understood to be making the trip north on Monday, Trump – a well-known golf enthusiast – left Saturday free to play the vaunted Turnberry course.

A major security operation surrounded the president as he took to the course in South Ayrshire this morning, approximately 14 hours after he arrived in Scotland.

Elsewhere, however, Scots began protesting against the visit.

The Stop Trump Coalition had announced demonstrations in Edinburgh – near the American consulate in the Scottish capital – and another in Aberdeen in the days before his visit there.

And pictures taken this afternoon showed hundreds of protests holding placards in the capital.

Follow our live blog to keep updated with any developments throughout the day.