Trump to Meet Starmer and Swinney During Scotland Visit

Trump to Meet Starmer and Swinney During Private Scotland Visit

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney during a private visit to Scotland later this month. The visit includes a stay at Trump’s golf resort in Menie, Aberdeenshire.

Number 10 confirmed that Starmer accepted the invitation to meet with Trump, while the Scottish government stated that Swinney will use the opportunity to promote Scotland’s interests.

Police Scotland is already preparing for the high-security visit. The force expects to deploy thousands of officers and may request assistance from other UK forces under mutual aid agreements.

Trump will not meet with King Charles during this trip. However, he is scheduled for a full UK state visit from 17 to 19 September at Windsor Castle—an unprecedented second visit, as second-term U.S. presidents are usually invited only for informal engagements.

Trump, whose mother Mary was born on the Isle of Lewis, last visited Scotland in 2023 to break ground on a new golf course at his Aberdeenshire resort. His company also owns the Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire.

Although Trump has expressed affection for Scotland, his visits have drawn strong opposition. Large-scale protests occurred during his 2018 trip and are expected again this year. The Scottish Greens have already pledged to join demonstrations against what they call an “extremist” presidency.

A Scottish government spokesperson said, “The first minister plans to meet the president during his visit. This is a vital opportunity to promote Scotland’s interests.” Officials are coordinating efforts with Police Scotland to manage the security challenges of the visit.

Police have urged protesters to remain peaceful and abide by the law throughout the president’s stay.