US President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday night for a four-day private visit that has stirred considerable political debate. Landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport just before 8:30 p.m., Trump was welcomed by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and UK Ambassador Warren Stephens, according to BBC reports.
Although officially labelled as a private visit, the trip blends luxury, golf, and high-level diplomacy. Trump is staying at his Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire, one of two golf properties he owns in Scotland. Over the weekend, he is expected to play golf and relax at the luxury venue before heading north to Aberdeenshire, where he will inaugurate a new 18-hole course at his Menie estate.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Trump simply said, “It’s great to be in Scotland.”
Why is Trump in Scotland?
Despite the leisurely nature of his visit, Trump’s itinerary includes key political engagements. On Monday, he is expected to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney.
Trump had praise for both leaders. “I like your prime minister. He’s slightly more liberal than I am, as you probably heard, but he’s a good man. He got a trade deal done,” he told journalists. Referring to a trade agreement said to be in the making for over a decade, Trump added, “That’s a good deal. It’s a good deal for the UK.”
He also referred to First Minister Swinney as “a good man” and said he was looking forward to their meeting.
Swinney, however, has a more pointed agenda. He stated that the meeting would be an opportunity to “speak out for Scotland” on issues such as trade and US business investment. He also said he planned to raise “significant international issues,” including the “awfulness of the situation in Gaza.”
The UK, one of the US’s largest trade partners, initially faced a 10% baseline tariff, but the deal lowered rates on automobiles and steel.
Controversy brews ahead of Trump’s Scotland visit
Ahead of US President Donald Trump’s arrival in Scotland, local newspaper ‘The National’ sparked controversy with its front-page headline: “Convicted US Felon to Arrive in Scotland.” The paper referred to Trump’s May 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Critics say Trump’s blending of political and business interests continues to raise ethical concerns. “We’re at a point where the Trump administration is so intertwined with the Trump business that he doesn’t seem to see much of a difference,” said Jordan Libowitz of the ethics watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
The visit has drawn public anger in Scotland, with several protest groups planning demonstrations. Police Scotland is preparing for potential unrest, with thousands of officers expected to be deployed during the four-day trip. Trump’s stay at his Turnberry resort and his political meetings have only intensified scrutiny of his presence.
Rachel reeves defends Trump’s visit
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended Trump’s presence in Scotland, calling it in the “national interest.” She pointed to the successful UK-US trade deal and emphasised the “tangible benefit” it brought to sectors such as Scotch whisky and defence.
“The work that our Prime Minister Keir Starmer has done in building that relationship with President Trump has meant that we were the first country in the world to secure a trade deal,” Reeves noted.
Meeting with EU chief
Trump is also scheduled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade, ahead of a formal state visit in September.
The official state visit will take place from September 17 to 19, during which Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle.