Former president Donald Trump has sparked some of the largest protests in history. It occurred on about the same day that Trump made his golfing stopover at Turnberry, Scotland. Trump drove his golf cart around the spectacular property in a black jacket and white USA cap. Along with his son Eric, Comm. played by US ambassador to Britain, Warren Stephens. At the same time, the Trump family is preparing to cut the ribbon on their new second golf course in the region. This dynamic opening will soon be available to the public, starting next month!
Ever since buying the historic Turnberry course in 2014, Trump has been trying to host the British Open there. Despite the commotion, this lofty event has so far not taken place at Turnberry during his ownership. After all, his Scottish connection is quite deep. His late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis, and Trump often sounds most at home in Scotland. He plans to discuss trade with UK leaders, including Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission.
Security Measures and Protest Activity
While Trump was busy golfing, hundreds of protesters met in Edinburgh—some 100 miles from Turnberry—to protest the visit. The protesters charged UK leaders with humiliating the UK and pandering to Trump, while making plain their opposition to Trump’s visit to Scotland. Tensions were high as security was ramped up at the golf course to prevent protesters from getting too close.
The demonstrators held up signs that brought home the point. They yelled slogans such as “No red carpet for dictators,” “We don’t want you here,” and “Stop Trump.” The mood was electric, everyone in attendance working together for a shared purpose.
“So many people here loathe him. We’re not divided. We’re not divided by religion, or race or political allegiance, we’re just here together because we hate him.” – Unattributed speaker
Mark Gorman, an Indie scot protester, focused on the feeling most Scots had.
“The vast majority of Scots have this sort of feeling about Trump that, even though he has Scottish roots, he’s a disgrace.” – Mark Gorman
Community Response to Trump’s Visit
The arrival of Trump has elicited mixed feelings among locals and local leaders. While some view his visit as an opportunity for economic benefit through golf tourism, others see it as a reminder of divisive politics that permeate both sides of the Atlantic. Scottish First Minister John Swinney recently announced that public funds would be allocated for staging the 2025 Nexo Championship at Trump’s first course near Aberdeen next month, further igniting debate about the appropriateness of such financial support.
Maggie Chapman, participating in the protest, commented on what Trump’s visit meant on a wider scale.
“We stand in solidarity, not only against Trump but against everything he and his politics stand for.” – Maggie Chapman
Participants call the protests “a kind of carnival of resistance.” This powerful phrase represents the intentionally broad and diverse coalition of people that helped organize and make their opposition heard. Anita Bhadani described the event, saying that it is a gathering of people who have come together to create a shared protest for their disagreement.
Future Engagements and Community Sentiment
After his Turnberry excursion, Trump will play at another Trump course outside of Aberdeen. He intends to make a return trip to Washington on Tuesday. These deep and personal conversations on trade with UK leaders are expected to shape the diplomatic ties going forward.
Despite these protests, Trump’s family seems undeterred from their desired business establishment in Scotland. They’re scheduled to join in the opening of the new golf course next month. Most local residents want this to jump start the region’s stagnant economy.
Arrested peace activist Amy White expressed the spirit of the demonstrators when she told her story about why she joined the protests.
“I don’t think I could just stand by and not do anything.” – Amy White
