Scotland’s leaders are urging the UK government to pay back £24.5 million in policing costs from US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s summer trips north of the border. Holyrood officials say the visits mixed private golf outings with key diplomatic talks, making them more than just personal jaunts.
Tensions Rise Over Funding Dispute
The Scottish government released figures showing nearly £24.5 million spent on security for the two events. Finance Secretary Shona Robison wrote to Treasury chief James Murray, asking for a rethink on the refusal to fund it. She noted the heavy load on Police Scotland and other services.
Public finance minister Ivan McKee called the UK position absurd in a radio chat. He pointed out that Trump met Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU leader Ursula von der Leyen right there in Scotland. With such high level chats happening, calling it purely private does not add up, McKee argued.
This spat fits into bigger strains on devolved powers. Scotland handles day to day policing under the current setup, but officials argue international figures like these deserve shared costs. The back and forth has drawn eyes to how the UK splits bills for global guests.
Trump’s July Golf and Diplomacy Mix
Trump arrived on July 25 for a five day stay, landing at Prestwick Airport on Air Force One. He headed straight to his Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, then on to the Menie site in Aberdeenshire. The trip included ribbon cutting for a new course named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, born on the Isle of Lewis.
Beyond golf, Trump held talks on trade deals with Starmer and von der Leyen. They covered tariffs on steel and whisky, plus global hot spots like Ukraine and the Middle East. A framework for EU US trade emerged, though details need more work.
Protests marked the visit, with crowds in Aberdeen and Edinburgh waving signs against Trump’s policies. Groups like Stop Trump rallied outside consulates, highlighting local anger over security costs and his past remarks. Supporters showed up too, but the demos added to the policing needs.
The operation peaked at over 4,000 officers daily, pulling in help from England and special units. It was the biggest since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, with road blocks, helicopters, and checkpoints everywhere.
Vance’s August Family Getaway in Ayrshire
JD Vance touched down on August 13 via Air Force Two, joining his family for four days. They stayed at the upscale Carnell Estates near Kilmarnock, a 2,000 acre spot with a 14th century tower. Vance, who calls himself a Scots Irish hillbilly, traced roots to Galloway but kept things low key.
He golfed at Turnberry, echoing Trump’s stop there weeks earlier. Informal chats touched on US UK bonds, including a meet with Foreign Secretary David Lammy in England beforehand. Vance also linked up with figures like Nigel Farage during the UK leg.
Protests flared again, this time from Mothers Against Genocide outside the estate. They decried Vance’s views on foreign policy and abortion buffer zones in Scotland. Police managed crowds with a solid presence, but the event stayed calmer than Trump’s.
Airspace limits and motorcades disrupted locals, with some griping about road closures. Vance left on August 17, wrapping a holiday that blended rest with subtle politics.
Detailed Breakdown of Security Expenses
The bill breaks down to about £21 million for Trump’s stay and £3.5 million for Vance’s. These cover overtime, gear, and nationwide support. Provisional tallies might climb a bit with final audits.
Here’s a clear table of the key costs:
| Aspect | Trump’s Visit (July) | Vance’s Visit (August) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days | 4 days | 9 days |
| Peak Officers | Over 4,000 | Several hundred | Varies |
| Main Costs | £21 million (policing, logistics) | £3.5 million (security, transport) | £24.5 million |
| Extra Factors | Protests, trade meets | Family holiday, demos | Shared UK support |
This setup shows the scale, especially with Trump’s drawing bigger crowds and global talks.
- Overtime for officers drafted from across the UK pushed numbers up.
- Equipment like helicopters and barriers added to the tab.
- Lost routine policing time strained local forces further.
Public Backlash and Path Forward
Online forums buzz with frustration over taxpayer burdens. Many question why Scotland pays for what seems like elite golf trips. Others note the 2018 precedent, when the UK covered Trump’s costs after a formal invite.
SNP voices slam Westminster for shirking duty, while some union supporters say stick to the rules. Social media posts highlight the irony of private visits costing public cash amid budget squeezes.
Looking ahead, talks could heat up in budget sessions. With Trump’s tariffs hitting Scotch exports, Scotland pushes for fair play. This row might shape future devolution funding rules for VIP arrivals.
Recent EU trade wins from Trump’s trip add weight to the official claim. As economic pressures mount, resolving this could ease wider tensions.
What are your thoughts on who should pay these visit bills? Drop a comment and share this story to spark more debate.
