Scotland’s police force is reportedly preparing for a potential visit from US President Donald Trump later this month.
Rumours have swirled for months that the president will visit the country this year to coincide with the opening of a second course at the golf club he owns in Aberdeenshire.
Today, Police Scotland confirmed preparation is underway for a ‘significant’ policing operation ahead of a visit from Trump this month.
The final dates haven’t been confirmed, but it’s currently not possible to book a room at Trump’s golf club in Turnberry, South Ayrshire or his Aberdeenshire club between July 24 and 28.
His previous visits to Scotland have been tainted by mass protests from Scots, who made it clear they were not happy with the President visiting.
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In 2016, protester Janey Godley made headlines when she stood near his golf course in Ayrshire with a sign reading: ‘Trump is a C**t’.
High levels of protest are likely to occur again later this month, if the visit is officially confirmed.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: ‘Planning is underway for a potential visit to Scotland later this month by the President of the United States.
‘While official confirmation has not yet been made, it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation.’
Earlier this year, his prized golf club was targeted by pro-Palestinian activists who vandalised it with ‘Trump is a c***’ and ‘F*** Trump’ graffiti.
The group used blood-red graffiti to deface the elite 800-acre resort, which has held the sport’s prestigious Open Championship.
Trump purchased the 119-year-old Turnberry resort in April 2019, vowing to spend £200 million renovating the property.
Turnberry is one of 10 venues which are on the rota to hold the Open Championship, but has gone the longest without a return visit.
When Trump visited Scotland in 2018, thousands marched through the streets each day, protesting the ‘orange jobby’.
Similar crowds were seen during his official visit to London during the same year, with the famous ‘Trump Baby’ blimp on display.
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