Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accepted an invitation to meet with US President Donald Trump during the American leader’s anticipated visit to Scotland later this month, according to a report by Reuters.
Although the precise date and full itinerary of the visit are yet to be confirmed, preparations are under way. The White House has declined to comment on the reported plans.
This meeting would follow the signing of a trade agreement between the two countries on the sidelines of last month’s G7 summit in Canada. The deal, seen as a breakthrough in US-UK relations, formally reduced a number of American tariffs on British imports.
The two leaders previously met at the White House in February, during which Starmer extended an invitation from King Charles for a future state visit, a gesture Trump accepted. However, the upcoming trip to the UK is not expected to include a stop in London or a meeting with the monarch, despite earlier speculation about a possible encounter at Balmoral or Dumfries House.
President Trump is set to spend time at his Scottish golf properties, including the prestigious Turnberry resort in Ayrshire and his Aberdeenshire estate near the North Sea coast at Menie. The visit will also include the official opening of a new 18-hole golf course at Menie, which has been named in honour of his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump.
Trump emphasised emotional connection to Scotland
Trump, whose mother was born in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, has often emphasised his emotional connection to Scotland. However, he has only visited Lewis once, spending mere moments inside his mother’s childhood home.
Police Scotland has confirmed that operational plans are in motion ahead of what would be a high-profile visit.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: “Planning is underway for a potential visit to Scotland later this month by the president of the United States. While official confirmation has not yet been made, we must prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation.”
If confirmed, the trip would mark Trump’s first visit to the United Kingdom since his re-election last November.
