On July 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Scotland for a four-day visit, blending personal business with diplomatic engagements. The trip, centered around his luxury golf courses, has sparked a mix of curiosity, support, and significant opposition among Scots. With meetings scheduled with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, alongside visits to his properties, Trump’s time in Scotland is anything but low-key.
A Warm Welcome and a Cold Shoulder
Trump arrived at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, greeted by thousands of supporters and curious onlookers. However, not all Scots rolled out the welcome mat. Protests erupted in Turnberry, a small Ayrshire village where Trump owns a renowned golf resort with two championship courses: the Ailsa, a four-time host of the Open Championship, and the King Robert the Bruce. Demonstrators held signs with messages like, “Scotland hated Trump before it was fashionable,” and others were less polite, reflecting deep local discontent. In Glasgow, author and journalist Dominic Hinde remarked, “Scotland doesn’t need to kowtow to the White House… His reception has only got worse and worse.”
The Scottish National Party’s Stephen Flynn, with a jab at his own baldness, quipped he’d be too busy “washing his hair” to meet Trump. The National, a pro-independence newspaper, set the tone with a biting headline: “Convicted US Felon To Arrive In Scotland.” This chilly reception stems partly from Trump’s controversial reputation, amplified by reports linking him to Jeffrey Epstein, including a Wall Street Journal claim about a provocative birthday note Trump allegedly sent Epstein in 2003. When a Scottish reporter shouted, “Are you in Scotland to escape legal problems?” Trump stayed silent.
The Agenda: Golf and Trade Talks
Trump’s visit isn’t just about swinging clubs. He’s in Scotland to tour his golf properties, including Turnberry and his course in Balmedie, near Aberdeen, and to celebrate the opening of a new 18-hole course named after his Scottish-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, from the Isle of Lewis. The visit wraps up on July 29, but not without significant diplomatic engagements.
On Monday, Trump will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss a UK-US trade deal, building on an agreement from June that lowered tariffs on British cars, steel, aluminum, and aerospace equipment. He’s also expected to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss broader trade issues. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney plans to raise humanitarian concerns, including the crisis in Gaza, and highlight Scotland’s commitment to “freedom and justice for all.” Swinney emphasized the visit as a chance to showcase Scotland’s tourism and economic potential while addressing global issues.
Why the Tension?
Trump’s ties to Scotland, through his mother and his investments, haven’t won universal affection. His Aberdeenshire golf course has been a lightning rod for controversy. Local conservation groups argue it damaged nearby dunes, and the course has struggled financially, failing to deliver promised jobs. A 14-year dispute over wind turbines visible from the course— which Trump called “monstrosities”—further soured relations. Despite losing that battle, Trump remains vocal against wind and solar energy, clashing with Scotland’s reliance on wind for nearly half its electricity.
Protests organized by groups like Stop Trump Scotland underscore broader objections to Trump’s politics, with some accusing his administration of fueling “climate breakdown and fascism.” A February 2025 Ipsos survey found 71% of Scots hold an unfavorable view of Trump, compared to 57% of the broader UK population. The massive security operation, involving 5,000 police officers, army trucks, and road checkpoints—the largest since Queen Elizabeth II’s death—reflects the tension surrounding his visit.
A Delicate Balance
While some Scots, like Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, promise a “warm welcome,” others see Trump’s visit as a chance to assert their values. Swinney called Scotland a “proud democratic nation” that stands for equality and peaceful protest. He expressed confidence that demonstrators would act lawfully, and that Police Scotland would ensure safety amid the heightened security.
Trump’s visit is a high-stakes mix of personal pride, business interests, and diplomacy. For some, it’s a chance to strengthen Scotland’s ties with the U.S. For others, it’s a moment to voice dissent. As Trump tees off in Turnberry and heads to Aberdeen, the world is watching—not just for his golf swing, but for how Scotland navigates this polarizing visit.