British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to meet US President Donald Trump in Scotland later this month, marking Trump’s first UK trip since his re-election. The meeting comes on the heels of their new trade deal that slashed US tariffs on British imports.
A Surprise Reunion on Scottish Soil
They only shook hands five months ago in the Oval Office, but a lot has shifted since then. Starmer, who has pitched himself as a steady pair of hands post-Brexit, now finds himself sharing tea and tartan with Trump — a president known for upending the rule book.
Sources close to Whitehall say the final date for the Scotland meeting is still up in the air. One aide hinted the visit could coincide with Trump’s swing through his golf resorts. But others whisper it’s more about sealing goodwill after the tariff truce.
This isn’t just ceremonial fluff.
Police Already on Alert for Trump’s Arrival
Scotland’s police are no strangers to high-profile guests, but Trump’s visits have always been security headaches. On Wednesday, Police Scotland confirmed they’re gearing up for a presidential drop-in, though they stopped short of giving dates.
Trump’s penchant for golfing in Ayrshire has triggered full-force deployments in the past. Locals in Turnberry still remember the helicopters, the Secret Service convoys and, of course, the protesters waving “Trump Not Welcome” banners.
Some things never change.
Trade Tensions Ease But Questions Remain
While the tariff rollback is a relief for many British exporters, some trade experts say the devil’s in the details. The deal, signed on the sidelines of the G7 last month, will reportedly reduce tariffs on a range of UK-made goods — from machinery to whisky.
But what did Britain give up?
One trade analyst from the London School of Economics put it bluntly last week: “There’s always a catch with Trump.” Some insiders say Washington expects greater access for US agricultural products, which could rile up UK farmers.
A single line in the agreement stands out:
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“Both parties will continue to review and adjust tariff schedules in good faith.”
What does “good faith” look like under Trump?
Scotland’s Role — More Than Just a Backdrop
Scotland isn’t just playing host because it’s pretty. Starmer has been working hard to keep the Scottish National Party at bay and calm independence chatter. A big splashy photo-op with a US President could show Scottish voters their interests aren’t being ignored in London.
It’s also personal for Trump. His mother was born on the Isle of Lewis, and he’s long framed his Scottish ties as proof he understands the “common man.” Or at least, that’s the story his team likes to tell.
So, this visit is more than a handshake. It’s political theatre with kilts and bagpipes.
What Locals Are Saying About the Visit
Not everyone’s rolling out the red carpet. In Aberdeenshire, where Trump’s golf course is still a hot topic, some see the visit as an unwanted circus.
One hotel owner, Eilidh McCallum, shrugged when asked by the BBC: “It brings money in, I guess. But folk here are tired of the fuss. The police lockdowns make it hard to run a business.”
Meanwhile, some Scottish Labour councillors privately welcome the extra footfall — even if they won’t say it out loud. A bump in tourist spending is nothing to scoff at during a soggy summer.
And then there are the protesters. Organisers are already dusting off their banners.
Trump’s Itinerary — Golf, Deals and Drama?
So what will Trump actually do? The official line is hush-hush, but leaks hint he’s itching to squeeze in a few holes at Turnberry or his Aberdeen course. He may also hold a press conference alongside Starmer, though some Tory MPs fear the optics could backfire.
A leaked planning memo suggests a rough plan:
| Date | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-July | Glasgow Airport | Arrival |
| Mid-July | Turnberry Resort | Private meeting |
| Mid-July | Edinburgh | Joint press conference |
| Mid-July | Aberdeenshire | Golf and informal talks |
So far, Downing Street hasn’t confirmed the table — but local police say they’re bracing for road closures and “significant crowd management.”
What’s at Stake for Starmer
Starmer, still enjoying a honeymoon period after ousting the Tories, must tread carefully. Cozying up to Trump can rile some Labour voters who see the US President as unpredictable at best.
But the UK’s trade woes need bandages, and the tariff relief could keep factories humming in the Midlands. Some Red Wall MPs think it’s worth the risk if it means more exports to the States.
In the end, this Scotland meet-up could be remembered as a turning point — or just another awkward photo for the history books.
One thing’s for sure: Scotland’s bagpipers will be busy.
