A DEER has had to be euthanised after being hit by a police car preparing for Donald Trump's visit to Scotland.
Animal charity New Arc Wildlife rescue received reports of a deer being struck at Trump International Scotland near Balmenie in Aberdeenshire at 5.30am on Friday morning, the Press and Journal reports.
Police Scotland officers are at the venue ahead of the US president's visit to Scotland.
Trump will arrive at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening before heading to his Turnberry golf course, and is expected to visit [[Aberdeen]]shire on Monday, where he will open the venue's second golf course.
New Arc Wildlife rescue confirmed the animal was "beyond saving" due to the injuries it sustained and had to be euthanised.
A statement from the rescue centre said: "We were called by [[Police Scotland]] at 5.30am this morning after a police vehicle taking part in the security operation at Trump International, Scotland Golf Course in [[Aberdeen]] had struck a deer.
"Certainly not your average start to the day for our centre co-manager Paul who volunteers his time out of hours for deer emergencies.
"Sadly the deer's injuries meant the deer was beyond saving so had to be euthanised at the scene.
"Thank you to the police, security team and estate managers who assisted with the incident."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Shortly before 5.20 am on Friday, July 25, a police vehicle was in collision with a deer on the B977 in the vicinity of the Menie Estate.
"Staff from a local animal charity attended to humanely euthanise the animal.
"No-one was injured."
Trump is not expected to arrive in Scotland until later on Friday.
However, a plane which is often used by Trump's family has already landed in Prestwick ahead of his arrival.
Ahead of Trump's visit, John Swinney said Scotland will have a platform "to make its voice heard".
The First Minister said the global attention the visit will receive provides Scotland with an opportunity to demonstrate the principles of freedom and justice for all, while also promoting Scotland’s tourism sector and economic investment potential.
He said he would raise the "unimaginable suffering" playing out in Gaza with the president and ensure Scotland's voice is heard "at the highest levels of government across the world".
Swinney added the US remains one of Scotland's' closest partners, describing Trump's visit as a "landmark moment" in the relationship between the two nations.
