Scotland’s police force is quietly gearing up for a major security operation this month as speculation mounts that Donald Trump will fly in to open a new 18-hole golf course named after his mother. And if history repeats itself, he won’t be the only one making headlines — demonstrators are already expected to show up in force.
A Long-Rumoured Return
Trump’s rumored trip has been circulating for weeks, but it now looks more likely than ever. The former US president — who still owns two golf resorts in Scotland — is tipped to open the new course at his Menie Estate near Aberdeen, on the wild North Sea coast.
The new course, set to be named in honor of his Scottish-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, is the latest addition to the controversial site that has divided locals for years.
No word yet on whether he’ll squeeze in a visit to London. But plans for a sit-down with King Charles at Balmoral or Dumfries House, floated earlier, are said to be off the table.
Scotland’s Top Cops on High Alert
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond didn’t mince words: “Planning is under way for a potential visit… While official confirmation has not yet been made, it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation.”
One line: Translation? Expect a show of force.
When Trump last touched down in Scotland as president back in 2018, thousands of protesters hit the streets in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. Who could forget the paraglider that buzzed his Turnberry golf resort, trailing a banner that read “Trump: Well Below Par”?
Protests Likely to Make a Comeback
No one’s expecting it to be quiet this time either.
Scotland has become a focal point for Trump’s critics in the UK. Many see his golf resorts — Turnberry in Ayrshire and the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire — as lightning rods for environmental disputes, community rows, and more than a few protests.
Ayrshire locals, still bemused by Trump’s connections to the region, have called his previous visits “surreal” and “unwelcome.” One local put it bluntly: “America’s gone mad, and it lands right in our back yard.”
Why Trump Still Courts Controversy in Scotland
The new Menie course has been years in the making — and it’s already faced stiff resistance. From claims about fragile sand dunes to heated debates over planning permission, the saga has turned into something of a local soap opera.
One line: For Trump, the site isn’t just real estate — it’s personal.
He’s repeatedly spoken about his mother’s Hebridean roots and how much he values his ties to Scotland. Critics, however, see the developments as classic showboating. Environmentalists point to protected habitats that have been disrupted by construction.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Trump’s Scottish footprint:
| Resort | Location | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Turnberry | Ayrshire | Bought in 2014, hosted major golf events, site of 2018 protests |
| Menie Estate | Aberdeenshire | Built in 2012, new course to be named for Trump’s mother |
| Future plans | Possible expansions | Always sparks local debate and protests |
This month’s visit may not be the only time Trump sets foot in the UK this year. Plans are reportedly under way for a rare second state visit in September. If that goes ahead, expect the full royal treatment: state dinner, Windsor Castle, maybe even an address to parliament.
One short line: The contrast couldn’t be starker — tea with the King one week, placards and chants the next.
Police Say They’re Ready
For now, though, all eyes are on Aberdeenshire. Police Scotland insists it’s ready for anything. Officers are reviewing plans for everything from peaceful protest zones to traffic diversions.
Bond said it best: “This would be a significant policing operation.”
So far, no official itinerary has been released. But if Trump lands on Scottish soil in the coming weeks, one thing’s certain — he won’t be teeing off in silence.
