Police Scotland have urged protesters to remain within the law during Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Scotland, stressing that the priority is to ensure the US president enjoys a “peaceful and safe” trip. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond confirmed the five-day visit, set to take place between 25 and 29 July, will be supported by “significant” resources, including assistance from other UK police forces. The operation, codenamed Operation Roll, is expected to draw on Police Scotland’s full team of liaison officers.
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Mr Trump will visit his golf resorts in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire and is expected to meet both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney. His trip is private in nature, though officials anticipate public protests in Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh—echoing widespread demonstrations during his last visit to the country. While the exact scale of the policing operation remains undisclosed, officers will aim to strike a balance between security and the public’s right to protest.
Ms Bond encouraged protest groups to engage with the police ahead of time, noting that Police Scotland has extensive experience in managing complex events of this nature. “Our aim is to ensure a peaceful visit for the President while continuing to provide core policing services to the wider Scottish community,” she said. She also noted that the force is working on a “no surprises” approach and that any protest activity must remain peaceful and within legal limits.
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While there are no specific threats of violence at this stage, Ms Bond warned that any abusive or disruptive behaviour posing a threat to public safety will be dealt with appropriately. The Scottish Police Federation had raised concerns about potential breaches of workforce health and safety agreements during the operation, though Ms Bond said those issues are in the process of being resolved. Her message to potential demonstrators was clear: protest peacefully, and respect both legal boundaries and the safety of communities.
