Major security operation underway at Trump’s golf course as police search grounds
A major security operation is underway at the visiting US president Donald Trump’s golf course.
A large number of police and military personnel have been spotted searching the grounds of the Trump Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire, on the first full day of his trip.
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.
The army, navy and counter-terrorism police were all present at Turnberry to complete security checks on the course, according to Sky News, with footage of police snipers on standby in scaffolding set up next to the course.
Footage saw Mr Trump surrounded by assistants as he settled in for a day of golf. He reportedly 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 the broadcaster.
A few golfers were also spotted at the course during the search, enjoying an early-morning game prior to the president’s appearance on the course.
While the president is expected to spend much of his first day in Scotland on his golf 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”.
Saturday is set to be the first major test for Police Scotland during the president’s visit, as hundreds of protesters have gathered in both Edinburgh, near the American consulate, and Aberdeen – 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 masses gather.
In Aberdeen, the group that gathered in the city centre were seen waving banners with anti-Trump slogans – with one demonstrator even dressed as the president with a large papier mache head.
Some members of the crowd also showed their support for Palestine, waving Palestine flags.
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.
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.”
