Trump’s visit to Scotland sparks protests

On the 26th, a large number of people took to the streets of Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the capital of Scotland, to protest against the visit of US President Trump. Scottish police said that Trump’s five-day visit would cost the local area “quite high” security costs. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the US Consulate General in Edinburgh that day. Some held Palestinian flags and banners supporting Palestine, and some held photos of Trump and the late American businessman Jeffrey Epstein. A group called “Stop Trump Alliance” held a rally in the center of Aberdeen, and hundreds of demonstrators listened to the speech. According to Scottish TV, speakers included Scottish Green Party members, climate activists, and advocates for disability rights and minority rights. They criticized the policies of the Trump administration and mentioned the Gaza conflict. Several speakers also mentioned that some media reported that Trump’s visit would cost the UK 14 million pounds. Kirsty Hague, a member of another group “Scotland Against Trump”, said in an interview with local media that protesters from all over the UK will unite to oppose Trump and his “divisive politics.” She criticized Trump for using Scotland as a place to “clean up his image” and a safe haven to escape political controversy. Trump arrived in Scotland on the 25th and played golf at the Turnberry Golf Course owned by the Trump Organization on the morning of the 26th. Trump will also visit another golf course owned by him in Aberdeenshire. During the visit, he will hold informal talks with European Commission President von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Starmer. A large number of police forces were deployed outside the Turnberry Golf Course on the 26th. According to Sky News, the Scottish police have requested police support from other parts of the UK. Emma Bond, Assistant Chief Superintendent of Scotland, said that the specific amount of security costs surrounding Trump’s visit is still uncertain, but it will be “very high.”