Donald Trump 'persona non grata' in Scotland as campaigners urge public to join protests
Scots have been urged to join protests against Donald Trump on Saturday to show the US President he is "persona non grata" in the country.
A major demonstration is planned for Aberdeen city centre on Saturday at noon to coincide with the arrival of the Republican leader in Scotland. Protesters are invited to gather at Union Terrace Gardens at noon. A smaller demonstration is also planned for outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh at the same time.
Trump is expected to begin his trip at his Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire before later arriving in Aberdeenshire to open a new golf course at his Menie Estate. He is expected to meet separately with Keir Starmer and John Swinney during his visit to the north-east.
The protests against the President have been organised by the Stop Trump Coalition. A spokeswoman told the Record: "Donald Trump is not welcome in Scotland. Neither Keir Starmer nor John Sweeney should be shaking hands with a global bully.
"The people of Scotland want to see leadership that works to end the ongoing genocide in Palestine, they want well funded public services and extreme wealth taxed, they want our rights and freedoms protected and the most vulnerable in society uplifted. They want to see our world thrive, not burn. Donald Trump stands for the opposite of our vision.
"We call on every Scottish resident to join us - on Saturday in either Aberdeen or Edinburgh, but also in towns and cities across the country. Let's make sure he hears the message loud and clear: Donald Trump, you are not welcome here."
Veteran trade union campaigner Tommy Campbell is among the co-organisers of the protest in Aberdeen. The president of the city's trades union council told the Record that many locals were unhappy with Trump's support for the Israeli Government in its war against Hamas.
Asked what he hoped the demonstration would achieve, Campbell said: "It's making clear Trump is persona non grata. As a businessman, and as a President, he is not welcomed by a section of the Scottish people, who are concerned by his relationship with war criminals and dictatorships around the world.
"There is also widespread concern about his economic approach, his promotion of tariffs, and the harm it is doing to our local businesses."
Campbell rejected claims Swinney and Starmer had to meet the US President to promote UK and Scottish trade. "Businesses can engage with businesses, they don't need to engage with political leaders," he claimed.
The campaigner added: "On Saturday at noon, we will gather at the William Wallace statue, and bring together all groups and individuals who feel Trump's presence in Scotland is quite offensive, and what he represents is not what we represent. We want to see peace and prosperity and an end to war."
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