Police Scotland has rejected claims that officers are being unfairly pressured to work longer hours during Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland this weekend. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond, the gold commander for the operation, said the force has “immense experience” in managing US presidential visits and is confident in its strategy.
Trump is expected to open a new golf course at his Menie resort in Aberdeenshire, named after his mother Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who was born on the Isle of Lewis. He is also likely to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the trip.
Bond described the policing operation as the largest in Scotland since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, involving local officers, national divisions, special constables, and support from UK colleagues. A request for mutual aid has been made to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, though specific officer numbers were not disclosed.
The Scottish Police Federation, representing rank-and-file officers, raised concerns about insufficient numbers and alleged pressure to breach workplace agreements. Bond said senior commanders “fully recognise” these concerns and are working with the union to address them.
Bond also outlined plans for handling protests, noting that thousands demonstrated during Trump’s 2018 visit. She said the force would take a “positive and engaged approach” but warned that abusive or disruptive behaviour would not be tolerated. The Stop Trump Coalition has called for gatherings in Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Saturday, but Police Scotland has not yet spoken to the group.
