Latest news with #Aberdeenshire
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
It's Turnberry's turn in 2029
Donald Trump is about to fly into the UK, not on a state visit or diplomatic mission but something that to his mind is almost as important, if not more so. He is visiting the golf courses he owns in Aberdeenshire and at Turnberry on Scotland's west coast. Every golfer who has had the privilege to play both in recent years will attest to the work and investment made by Mr Trump and his son Eric to turn them into some of the country's best resorts. The Ailsa course at Turnberry, with its spectacular views of the granite craig in the Firth of Clyde and across to the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre, is ranked in the top five in the British Isles. It has hosted the Open championship, held last week at Royal Portrush, on four occasions. The first, in 1977, has entered golfing folklore for its extraordinary final round battle between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, known as The Duel in the Sun. In 2009, Watson almost became the oldest player to win a major golf championship at the age of 59, but lost in a play-off. That was the last time the Open was staged at Turnberry, even though it is considered a superior course to many others on the Royal and Ancient's rotating 10-venue list. So when will it get the Open again? The next empty slot is 2028, but its connection to President Trump poses a security problem. Police Scotland are laying on a massive presence for his four-day visit. The R&A wants the focus to be on just the golf and believe transport connections must be improved. The answer, surely, is to earmark 2029 or 2030 for Turnberry. Better road and rail links should be built by then. But more importantly, Mr Trump will no longer be in office and the brouhaha surrounding his presidency might have died down.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Donald Trump is a strain on the force, warns top officer as Scotland prepares for the arrival of the US President
Donald Trump's visit to Scotland this weekend will 'undoubtedly stretch' police resources, a senior officer has warned. Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), said the President's stay would require a 'significant operation across the country over many days'. His comments come in the wake of similar concerns from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – the body which represents rank-and-file officers – which said the visit was a 'recipe for disaster' as we 'don't have enough cops'. Mr Trump is due to arrive in Scotland on Friday for a five-day private visit to his golf resorts in both Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire, and plans to meet both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney. Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: 'This is just the latest siren warning to SNP ministers about the impact of their brutal cuts on Police Scotland's ability to cover the Presidential visit. 'We've already had threats of legal action from the SPF over the demands on rank-and-file officers, as well as a plea from bosses for reinforcements from Northern Ireland – and now we have the representative of senior officers sounding the alarm bell too. 'The buck stops with SNP ministers, who have squeezed police funding to the point where those at the sharp end feel compelled to speak out about the dangerous lack of resources.' There are expected to be major protests, including from the Stop Trump Coalition, which is organising a 'festival of resistance'. Mr Trump's last visit as a serving President, in July 2018, prompted large-scale protests in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, which cost Police Scotland more than £3million and required mutual aid – officers sent to Scotland from other UK forces. Mr Hay said: 'The private visit of President Donald Trump to Scotland will require the Police service of Scotland to plan for and deliver a significant operation across the country over many days. 'This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control.' He said police superintendents and chief superintendents will have 'key leadership roles' for the visit, saying they would be taking responsibility for areas such as planning and resourcing, intelligence gathering, command and control communications, armed operations and public order. Mr Hay urged the public to be aware of the 'significant demands that will be placed on policing services during this period' – adding these result from not only the Presidential visit but the 'many popular events that Scotland hosts in the summer months, which bring thousands of tourists to our country and rely upon partnerships with policing to support their safe delivery'. He said ASPS is 'concerned about the capacity and resilience of its members, particularly in times of high demand such as this summer, when leave has been cancelled'. His comments came as SPF general secretary David Kennedy warned the police response to the visit could impact on the service it provides to the public. Asked about the visit, Mr Kennedy told BBC Radio Scotland: 'Anyone who says it won't affect it [policing in Scotland], I can't believe that's the case. 'It will affect it. You may be waiting in the past for so many hours for a police officer to arrive, that could double now, you may be waiting for more time for them to arrive. 'Emergency calls will take priority, but it will affect communities in Scotland. 'We've been asking long and weary to have more police officers in our communities in Scotland and all this does is take them away from that.' Asked if the quality of policing will be impacted by the visit, Mr Kennedy added: 'It will be seriously affected. 'There's not enough police officers for it not to be affected.' Concerns have also been raised about the cost of the policing operation, with officers likely to cancel rest days to ensure adequate staffing. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: 'The visit will require a significant police operation using local, national and specialist resources from across Police Scotland, supported by colleagues from other UK police forces as part of mutual aid arrangements.' Today, Mr Swinney said it was important that Mr Trump's visit is 'handled with care'. While the First Minister accepted the need for 'security around the President' he has also said there 'has to be the legitimate right for individuals in our country to make their voices heard, to protest'. Meanwhile, the scale of the security operation required for the visit became ever clearer. Several black SUVs were seen being unloaded from two huge C17 Globemaster Air Force jets at Prestwick Airport yesterday morning with another three planes landing in the afternoon. Some of the vehicles in the presidential motorcade were immediately driven to the nearest garage, a BP in Monkton, for refuelling with serious-looking security detail fully concentrating on the task at hand. It is believed the motorcade then continued its journey to Mr Trump's resort in Turnberry. One onlooker said: 'They did not crack as much as a smile. Obviously they've a job to do but there was nothing that encouraged anyone to approach them let alone speak to them.' Despite stringent security measures, including a number of no-fly zones, planespotters were able to gather near to the Ayrshire airport to zoom in on the action on the runway.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Flight restrictions to be imposed over Scotland during Donald Trump's visit
Flight restrictions will be enforced over parts of Scotland amid a wave of security measures for Donald Trump's visit. The Civil Aviation Authority has published guidance to cover the length of the US President's trip, which includes visits his two golf resorts in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire. In a briefing issued to the aviation industry on Wednesday, it said: "The President of the United States (POTUS) will visit Scotland between July 25 and 29. READ MORE: Aberdeen's historic Broadhill - what do residents think after seven-month revamp READ MORE: US military aircraft spotted flying over Aberdeen ahead of Donald Trump's visit "POTUS will visit several locations throughout Scotland and as part of the security arrangements the Secretary of State for Transport has decided that it is necessary, on the grounds of public safety and security, to introduce Restriction of Flying Regulations under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 to restrict the operation of all types of aircraft between July 24 and 29." Join Aberdeen Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages The initial restrictions cover Prestwick Airport, where Trump is expected to arrive from the US on board Air Force One, and the area surrounding the Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire where he is expected to be based. Further restrictions cover RAF Lossiemouth in the north-east and over the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, where Trump will open a new golf course named in honour of his later mother, Mary, reports the Daily Record. It comes as a senior officer has warned Trump's upcoming visit to Scotland will 'undoubtedly stretch' police resources Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said the visit of the US President would require a 'significant operation across the country over many days' from Police Scotland. His comments come in the wake of similar concerns from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – the body which represents rank and file officers. However Scottish First Minister John Swinney has insisted policing will not be put in a 'detrimental position' as a result of the visit. Trump is due to arrive in Scotland on Friday for a five-day private visit to his his golf resorts in both Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. During his time in Scotland the President will meet both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Swinney. Hay said: "The private visit of President Donald Trump to Scotland at the end of July will require the Police Service of Scotland to plan for and deliver a significant operation across the country over many days. 'This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control.' Police superintendents and chief superintendents will have 'key leadership roles' for the visit, he added, saying they would be taking responsibility for areas such as planning and resourcing, intelligence gathering, command and control communications, armed operations, public order, and other specialist functions."
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Trump visit will ‘undoubtedly stretch' police resources, superintendents warn
US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Scotland will 'undoubtedly stretch' police resources, a senior officer has warned. Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said the visit of the US President would require a 'significant operation across the country over many days' from Police Scotland. His comments come in the wake of similar concerns from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – the body which represents rank and file officers. However Scottish First Minister John Swinney has insisted policing will not be put in a 'detrimental position' as a result of the visit. Mr Trump is due to arrive in Scotland on Friday for a five-day private visit to his his golf resorts in both Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. During his time in Scotland the President will meet both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Swinney. However, police officers are raising concerns about the impact of the trip, with Mr Hay stating: 'The private visit of President Donald Trump to Scotland at the end of July will require the Police Service of Scotland to plan for and deliver a significant operation across the country over many days. 'This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control.' Police superintendents and chief superintendents will have 'key leadership roles' for the visit, he added, saying they would be taking responsibility for areas such as planning and resourcing, intelligence gathering, command and control communications, armed operations, public order, and other specialist functions. Mr Hay urged the public to be aware of the 'significant demands that will be placed on policing services during this period' – adding these result from not only the Presidential visit but the 'many popular events that Scotland hosts in the summer months, which bring thousands of tourists to our country and rely upon partnerships with policing to support their safe delivery'. His comments came as SPF general secretary David Kennedy warned the police response to the visit could impact on the service it provides to the public in Scotland. A major policing operation is being put in place both the visit and any protests that may spring up as a result of it, with Police Scotland seeking officers from other areas of the UK to bolster its numbers. Asked about the visit, Mr Kennedy told BBC Radio Scotland: 'Anyone who says it won't affect it (policing in Scotland), I can't believe that's the case. 'It will affect it. 'You may be waiting in the past for so many hours for a police officer to arrive, that could double now, you may be waiting for more time for them to arrive. 'Obviously, emergency calls will take priority, but it will affect communities in Scotland. 'We've been asking long and weary to have more police officers in our communities in Scotland and all this does is take them away from that at this time.' Asked if the quality of policing will be impacted by the visit, Mr Kennedy added: 'It will be seriously affected, it has to be. 'There's not enough police officers for it not to be affected.' Concerns have also been raised about the cost of the policing operation, with officers likely to cancel rest days to ensure adequate staffing. But speaking to the PA news agency on Tuesday, Mr Swinney said talks are ongoing between Police Scotland and the Scottish and UK governments on funding, asserting that policing in Scotland will not be put in a 'detrimental position' as a result. Mr Kennedy also reiterated calls from Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond for those seeking to protest to do so peacefully. Ms Bond has already said a 'policing plan will be in place to maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest and minimise disruption'. She added: 'The visit will require a significant police operation using local, national and specialist resources from across Police Scotland, supported by colleagues from other UK police forces as part of mutual aid arrangements. 'Officers make sacrifices every day to keep people safe, and their dedication and professionalism is the reason we manage to deliver significant operations.'
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump visit will ‘undoubtedly stretch' police resources, superintendents warn
US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Scotland will 'undoubtedly stretch' police resources, a senior officer has warned. Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said the visit of the US President would require a 'significant operation across the country over many days' from Police Scotland. His comments come in the wake of similar concerns from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – the body which represents rank and file officers. However Scottish First Minister John Swinney has insisted policing will not be put in a 'detrimental position' as a result of the visit. Mr Trump is due to arrive in Scotland on Friday for a five-day private visit to his his golf resorts in both Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. During his time in Scotland the President will meet both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Swinney. However, police officers are raising concerns about the impact of the trip, with Mr Hay stating: 'The private visit of President Donald Trump to Scotland at the end of July will require the Police Service of Scotland to plan for and deliver a significant operation across the country over many days. 'This will undoubtedly stretch all our resources from local policing divisions to specialist and support functions such as contact, command and control.' Police superintendents and chief superintendents will have 'key leadership roles' for the visit, he added, saying they would be taking responsibility for areas such as planning and resourcing, intelligence gathering, command and control communications, armed operations, public order, and other specialist functions. Mr Hay urged the public to be aware of the 'significant demands that will be placed on policing services during this period' – adding these result from not only the Presidential visit but the 'many popular events that Scotland hosts in the summer months, which bring thousands of tourists to our country and rely upon partnerships with policing to support their safe delivery'. His comments came as SPF general secretary David Kennedy warned the police response to the visit could impact on the service it provides to the public in Scotland. A major policing operation is being put in place both the visit and any protests that may spring up as a result of it, with Police Scotland seeking officers from other areas of the UK to bolster its numbers. Asked about the visit, Mr Kennedy told BBC Radio Scotland: 'Anyone who says it won't affect it (policing in Scotland), I can't believe that's the case. 'It will affect it. 'You may be waiting in the past for so many hours for a police officer to arrive, that could double now, you may be waiting for more time for them to arrive. 'Obviously, emergency calls will take priority, but it will affect communities in Scotland. 'We've been asking long and weary to have more police officers in our communities in Scotland and all this does is take them away from that at this time.' Asked if the quality of policing will be impacted by the visit, Mr Kennedy added: 'It will be seriously affected, it has to be. 'There's not enough police officers for it not to be affected.' Concerns have also been raised about the cost of the policing operation, with officers likely to cancel rest days to ensure adequate staffing. But speaking to the PA news agency on Tuesday, Mr Swinney said talks are ongoing between Police Scotland and the Scottish and UK governments on funding, asserting that policing in Scotland will not be put in a 'detrimental position' as a result. Mr Kennedy also reiterated calls from Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond for those seeking to protest to do so peacefully. Ms Bond has already said a 'policing plan will be in place to maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest and minimise disruption'. She added: 'The visit will require a significant police operation using local, national and specialist resources from across Police Scotland, supported by colleagues from other UK police forces as part of mutual aid arrangements. 'Officers make sacrifices every day to keep people safe, and their dedication and professionalism is the reason we manage to deliver significant operations.'
