EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — On a Saturday filled with protests, President Donald Trump enjoyed a round of golf at his Turnberry course on Scotland's coast, a location that has been a focal point for both his business and political interests since being acquired by the Trump family company in 2014. Alongside Trump were his son Eric and U.S. Ambassador to Britain Warren Stephens, as the trio played in the picturesque but contentious setting of Turnberry, which has historical significance in the golf world.
The atmosphere surrounding Trump's visit was charged, with demonstrators expressing their discontent at several locations across Scotland. Hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, protesting Trump's presence and accusing UK leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of catering to the former president. Protesters criticized recent trade agreements intended to lessen U.S. tariffs on UK goods, citing them as examples of political pandering.
In addition to the demonstration in Edinburgh, protests were organized in various cities by a coalition that included environmental activists, opponents of Israel’s engagement in Gaza, and pro-Ukraine factions. Organizer Anita Bhadani referred to the protests as a “carnival of resistance” that unified diverse groups in opposition to Trump's policies and ideologies.
Trump, whose family heritage includes roots in Scotland—his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis—was seen relishing his time on the golf course, sporting a black outfit and a white "USA" cap. Following a round that included nine holes, Trump paused for lunch before resuming play. As afternoon approached, signs of Trump's departure became evident as plainclothes security officials began to leave the premises, indicating that his day on the golf course was drawing to a close.
Amid the protests, demonstrators conveyed a mixture of frustration and unity. Seventeen-year-old Amy White, holding a sign that read, “We don’t negotiate with fascists,” articulated a sentiment shared by many attendees: “We’re not divided by religion, or race or political allegiance, we're just here together because we hate him.” This sentiment was echoed by others who criticized Trump for various controversies, even going as far as to display visuals connecting him to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Mark Gorman, a 63-year-old Edinburgh resident, elaborated on the prevailing disdain for Trump among locals, stating, “the vast majority of Scots have this sort of feeling about Trump that, even though he has Scottish roots, he’s a disgrace.” This disapproval was palpable, with many protest signs urging for Trump’s exclusion, featuring slogans like “No red carpet for dictators” and “Stop Trump. Migrants welcome.”
While the protests against Trump during this round of golf did not match the scale of demonstrations seen during his previous visit in 2018, they were still a significant display of opposition. The sound of bagpipes filled the air as protesters chanted “Trump Out!” with some even employing their pets to communicate their message; one dog sported a sign that read, “No treats for tyrants.”
In addition to focusing on golf, Trump’s visit to Scotland involved planned discussions about trade with Prime Minister Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. After Turnberry, Trump and his family are set to visit another course near Aberdeen before concluding their trip and returning to Washington on Tuesday. They are also scheduled to participate in the ceremonial opening of a second course, which will be available to the public next month.
The Scottish government, although aware of the protests, emphasized the economic impact of golf tourism, with Scottish First Minister John Swinney announcing public funding for the 2025 Nexo Championship at Trump’s first course near Aberdeen. During the protests, Parliament member Maggie Chapman expressed solidarity with attendees, reinforcing the collective stance against Trump and “everything he and his politics stand for.”
As Trump's golf excursions continue amidst the swirling political climate and protests, the Scottish landscape serves as both a backdrop for recreation and a stage for dissent against U.S. politics, illustrating the ongoing complexities of Trump's connection to Scotland.
