US President Lands at Prestwick Airport, Heads to Turnberry Golf Resort

US President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday evening, marking the beginning of a four-day private visit that will see him tour both of his Scottish golf properties and meet senior UK and European leaders. After Air Force One touched down at Prestwick Airport at 20:30 BST, Trump was welcomed by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens.

Following his arrival, Trump traveled by motorcade to his Turnberry golf resort in South Ayrshire, where he is expected to spend the weekend golfing and engaging in private meetings.

Trump Praises UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister

In remarks to reporters, Trump said it was “great to be in Scotland” and expressed admiration for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, stating:

“I like your prime minister. He’s slightly more liberal than I am… but he’s a good man. He got a trade deal done.”

He also praised Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, calling him “a good man” ahead of their planned meeting. Swinney said he intends to speak out “for Scotland” on issues such as trade, investment, and global humanitarian concerns.

New Golf Course Opening at Trump’s Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire

Trump will later travel to his Menie estate in Aberdeenshire, where he is set to inaugurate a new 18-hole golf course. He credited the late James Bond actor Sean Connery with helping secure the development’s original permits, saying:

“If it weren’t for Sean Connery, we wouldn’t have those great courses.”

Controversial Remarks on Wind Energy and Immigration Stir Debate

Speaking at Prestwick, Trump reignited his long-standing opposition to wind energy, calling on Europe to “stop the windmills”, which he claimed are ruining landscapes and harming wildlife.

He also made sweeping remarks on immigration, calling it an “invasion” that is “killing Europe,” and claimed that the US had recently experienced zero illegal entries due to his administration’s policies — a claim not supported by official data.

Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell Comments: “Nothing to Say”

Trump declined to comment on the latest developments regarding Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, telling reporters:

“A lot of people are asking me about pardons obviously – this is no time to be talking about pardons.”
“The media is making a big thing out of something that’s not a big thing.”

Protests and Heightened Security Across Scotland

As Trump’s visit continues, protests are expected in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with Police Scotland launching a major security operation. Temporary road closures, checkpoints, and security fencing have been implemented near Turnberry and Menie.

Additional police officers from across the UK have been brought in under mutual aid arrangements to support local enforcement efforts.

Historical Significance and Personal Ties to Scotland

Trump’s connection to Scotland is deeply personal. His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, and later emigrated to the US, where she married Fred Trump. This trip marks his first visit as a sitting US president since 2018.

Trump is expected to return to the UK for a state visit from 17–19 September, during which King Charles will host him and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle.

UK Leaders Emphasize Trade and Diplomatic Relations

Chancellor Rachel Reeves described Trump’s visit as being in the “national interest”, highlighting that the new UK-US trade deal — reportedly finalized by Prime Minister Starmer — has already shown “tangible benefits” for industries like Scotch whisky and defense.

Meanwhile, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed she will meet Trump on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations, adding further political weight to what is primarily being described as a private visit.