Donald Trump to visit Turnberry and Aberdeen on Scotland trip

Donald Trump has confirmed he will visit Turnberry and Aberdeen on his trip to Scotland later this month.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the US president would meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on the visit between 25 to 29 July.

President Trump is also scheduled to meet First Minister John Swinney.

Trump will return the UK in September for an official state visit, where he will meet the King at Windsor Castle.

Ms Leavitt told a press briefing in Washington DC the meeting with Starmer – due to take place in Aberdeen – would “refine the great trade deal that was brokered between the United States and the United Kingdom.”

She made no mention of the scheduled meeting with Swinney, which the Scottish government previously said would be “an opportunity to promote the interests of Scotland”.

Police Scotland confirmed it was preparing for a presidential visit earlier this month.

The Scottish government said it had been working with the national force to put plans in place, with thousands of officers likely to be deployed as part of the security operation.

Trump’s last visit as president, in July 2018, prompted large-scale protests in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

A paraglider flew over the no-fly zone created at Trump Turnberry trailing a banner reading “Trump: well below par”.

Previously, in 2016, the late comedian Janey Godley joined protests at Trump Turnberry, holding a placard describing the president in unflattering terms.

More recently, Turnberry has been targeted by pro-Palestinian groups.

Police Scotland is likely to ask for assistance from other UK forces under “mutual aid” agreements.

Trump will be joined by the first lady, Melania Trump, when he arrives in the UK for his second state visit as president in the Autumn.

He will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle between 17 and 19 September.

He was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. Second-term presidents are usually not offered a second state visit and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch.

Ms Leavitt said: “This will mark a truly unprecedented second state visit for President Trump and he is honoured and looking forward to meeting with his majesty the king at Windsor Castle.”