Hundreds protest in Edinburgh as Trump visits Scotland amid heavy security

EDINBURG, SCOTLAND, UK - JULY 26:Hundreds of people gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh on Saturday, July 26, to protest against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland, voicing opposition to his policies and international influence. Demonstrators held Palestinian flag, signs and chanted slogans in a peaceful rally, drawing attention from local media and bystanders. Trump’s four-day trip, which began on Friday, includes visits to his golf resorts in Turnberry and Balmedie, near Aberdeen, as well as a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday to discuss trade relations. The visit has prompted a massive security operation, with 5,000 police officers deployed, army trucks stationed, and road checkpoints set up in Turnberry—marking Scotland’s largest and most expensive security effort since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The cost, borne by Scottish taxpayers, has sparked criticism from residents and police unions, who say officers are overstretched and diverted from regular duties. Protests have followed Trump since his arrival. On Friday, a demonstrator in Turnberry held a sign reading, “Scotland hated Trump before it was fashionable,” while others carried more strongly worded messages. A Scottish reporter also confronted Trump, shouting, “Are you in Scotland to escape legal problems?”—to which he did not respond. (Footage by Yunus Dalgıç/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)