PLANS are being drawn up by Police Scotland for a potential visit from the United States president Donald Trump later this month, according to reports.
Trump is reportedly expected to touch down in Scotland to visit his golf courses at the end of July or the beginning of August.
Police and security firms have reportedly had meetings, and conversations are ongoing this week with the possibility of up to 5000 officers being required to work 12-hour shifts, Sky News has said.
A final date is reportedly yet to be confirmed, but Trump’s son, Eric Trump, previously said his father would attend the official opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire later this summer.
Police Scotland's assistant chief constable Emma Bond told Sky News: “Planning is under way for a potential visit to Scotland later this month by the president of the United States.
“While official confirmation has not yet been made, it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation.”
The expected visit would be the first time Trump has been to Scotland since his victory in the US election.
Last month, The Scottish Mail on Sunday reported that Trump will visit his three Scottish golf courses by the end of July, including Turnberry.
Trump previously suggested his visit would coincide with the grand opening of a second 18-hole course at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, named the MacLeod course after his Scottish mother.
According to reports, security services are preparing for Air Force One to land at Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire.
Trump’s last visit to Turnberry, during his first term as president, prompted a protest on a beach overlooking the golf course, featuring now sadly deceased Scottish comedian Janey Godley.
The Turnberry course has seen several protests since Trump took over the White House for the second time.
Protesters sprayed red paint on the clubhouse at the 800-acre resort, and damage was also caused to the greens where the words “Gaza is not for sale” were also painted.
