Donald Trump will jet into Scotland on holiday this month saddling police with a security bill which could run to millions.
The former US president is to visit his luxury golf retreats in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire for a week, the Sunday Mail can reveal. It is understood the reality star-turned politician will fly in around August 21, spending time at the Menie estate and Turnberry.
It will be the first time he has come back to Scotland since losing the election to President Joe Biden in 2020, amid rumours of a fresh White House bid. It is also his first visit since the riots at the US Capitol building in 2021, which saw hundreds of Trump supporters storm the site.
Police are already thought to be preparing for protests and disruption associated with the visit, with any costs associated being paid for by the taxpayer. A source told this newspaper there would be stepped up security for the visit, due to the expectation protesters and visitors will attempt to accost him.
Prestwick airport chiefs may also have to put in special security measures for his arrival. The billionaire could arrive in his revamped ‘Trump Force One’ plane - a custom Boeing 757 - after his son Eric tweeted just days ago that it was ready to fly again.
In 2018, a similar jaunt for two days cost a staggering £3.5m in police wages, with half of it paid in overtime to officers who should have been on leave. As Trump is now a private individual, and is not on any form of official or government business, the UK or US Governments are not obliged to pay for any policing needed for his visit.
He would also not be liable to pay as he is not organising or hosting any events and has no control over protesters if they do turn up. Colin Smyth, Labour MSP for South Scotland, said the former president should reconsider.
He said: “I think people would prefer if he just stayed away from Scotland altogether. Trump has been an absentee owner since he bought Turnberry and with huge losses year on year, the Trump Organisation have been as big a failure at running the resort as Trump was as President.
“But that’s not an excuse for landing the taxpayer with any bills for a visit. He should be picking up the bill for these trips.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Liam McArthur said: “Given his odious views and track record in stirring up division, Donald Trump’s presence in Scotland will inevitably spark controversy. The fact that the cost of policing his visit is expected to fall on Police Scotland, whose resources are already stretched to the limit, will add insult to injury.
“It would be far better if he decided not to come, but if he does there can be no question that those who wish to protest should be allowed to do so.”
Ross Greer, Scottish Green MSP said: “This may well be Trump’s final visit to Scotland as, given the huge amount of evidence the US Congress has heard on his involvement in the January 6th 2021 attempted coup, he may well find himself in jail soon enough. In the delightful event that turns out to be the case, we should seize the opportunity to show him one last time what a laughingstock he is here.
“The Trump Organisation should certainly be paying for the increased policing costs, but given the record of bankruptcies and bounced cheques, I’d suggest the Chief Constable has them pay up front.”
The Scottish Government said it could not comment on operational issues. The Trump Organisation did not respond to a request for comment.
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