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Daily Record
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Donald Trump to meet First Minister John Swinney on golf course on final day of Scotland trip
Donald Trump and John Swinney are expected to speak about whisky tariffs and the Middle East during their meeting. Donald Trump's four-day visit to Scotland wraps up on Tuesday with a meeting with First Minister John Swinney. The two leaders are expected to discuss issues including whisky tariffs and the Middle East during a one-to-one chat, before the US President opens a brand new course at his golf resort in Aberdeenshire. The trip has been dominated by trade talks with the EU. Trump has already played a round of golf at his Turnberry course, where he welcomed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday. The pair then boatded Air Force One and flew to RAF Lossiemouth, before joining Swinney for a private dinner at Trump's plush resort in Balmedie, near Aberdeen. The visit has sparked a major police operation across Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire, with extra officers deployed for protest marches in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Before the trip, the White House said Trump and Starmer would focus on trade between the countries. Despite an agreement being signed, a 10 per cent tariff is still being slapped on Scotch whisky one of Scotland's biggest global exports. Asked if that tariff could be dropped or eliminated as a result of the meeting with the prime minister, Trump said: "We'll talk about that, I didn't know whisky was a problem. I'm not a big whisky drinker, but maybe I should be." Swinney has vowed to raise the issue personally. A Scottish government spokesperson said the dinner on Monday would provide Swinney with an opportunity "specifically to make the case for tariff exemptions for Scotland's world class whisky and salmon sector" On Monday, the first minister told the BBC: "Tariffs are very important for the Scottish economy and obviously Scotch whisky is a unique product. "Obviously, the trade deal with the United States provides a degree of stability for economic connections with the United States but the application of tariffs is increasing the costs for the Scotch whisky industry. "So one of my objectives will be to make the case to President Trump that Scotch whisky should be exempted from those tariffs," he added. President Trump also took the media conference at Turnberry as an opportunity to hit out at wind turbines, which he branded "ugly monsters". He is a long-standing critic of turbines and previously lost a legal battle to block a wind farm from being built opposite his golf club in Aberdeenshire. Trump said: "Wind is the most expensive form of energy and it destroys the beauty of your fields, your plains and your waterways. "Wind needs massive subsidy, and you are paying in Scotland and in the UK, and all over the place, massive subsidies to have these ugly monsters all over the place." Instead, the president urged the UK to exploit North Sea oil and gas. "When we go to Aberdeen, you'll see some of the ugliest windmills you've ever seen, the height of a 50-storey building," Trump said. "You can take 1,000 times more energy out of a hole in the ground this big," he added, gesturing with his hands. "It's called oil and gas, and you have it there in the North Sea." The prime minister said the UK government believed in a mix of energy. "Obviously, oil and gas is going to be with us for a very long time, and that'll be part of the mix, but also wind, solar, increasingly nuclear, which is what we've been discussing," he said. The president's visit was described as a "private" trip and - unusually for such events - combined politics with business and his love of golf. His mum was born on the Isle of Lewis and moved to New York in 1930 aged just 18, a family link Trump often cites as his reason for investing in Scotland. He's been a regular visitor to his Scottish courses in Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire over the past decade. Trump is due back in the UK in September for a state visit, where he'll stay with King Charles at Windsor Castle.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Flight restrictions imposed over Scotland as Donald Trump prepares for trip to mother's homeland
The Civil Aviation Authority has issued guidance to cover the duration of the US President's time in Scotland. Flight restrictions will be imposed over parts of Scotland as part of routine security precautions for the arrival of Donald Trump on Friday. The Civil Aviation Authority has issued guidance to cover the duration of the US President's time in Scotland. In a briefing issued to the aviation industry today, it said: "The President of the United States (POTUS) will visit Scotland between July 25 and 29. "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". 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. 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."
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Retro Test Drive: $2 Million Lamborghini Reventón Roadster
Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Bat wings, girth, jumbo intakes and a screaming 6.5-liter V12: the Murciélago is arguably one of the finest Lamborghinis in history; a peak supercar when launched in 2007. Then they cut the roof off and made what's arguably one of the sexiest bulls in history; looking at pictures was, and still is, enough to make me quiver. And while recovering from the Murciélago's splendor, Lamborghini dropped its most expensive—and extreme—supercar in 2007, the Reventón: matte paintwork, sharper edges, more grilles, massive rear fans and an instrument cluster that looks like it was taken from an F22 Raptor's parts bin. Stunning? I think bodacious. Of course, being thrown the keys to such a car, even as an auto journalist, is a rarity. With a price tag north of $2m when new and just 15 Roadsters built, these machines often reside in high-security car caves, and are usually only driven minuscule distances. Therefore, it snapped necks when it appeared at a Scottish Highlands charity 'Race the Runway' event. Lamborghini Reventon Roadster The event was a showcase, a mix of varied calibre cars zooming along the closed 2.4km runway at RAF Lossiemouth. The rules were simple: attempt to reach your car's top speed, drag race others, and most importantly, live it up. 'Aye, the roof blew off and smashed the rear louvres when driving from Edinburgh to Lossiemouth last night,' said the owner while I viewed the glorious V12 surrounded by glass shards. "So I covered the car, parked in the hotel car park, with a tarpaulin sheet to protect the interior from the rain'. Google it, you'll find a Reddit photograph. After expressing my deep-rooted love for Lamborghini, he replied, 'Wanna drive it?' A real-catch 22. Terrified to say yes, but it would've been foolish to say no. So, my inner child answered. The Reventon's smashed louvre I clambered past the Reventón's dramatic scissor door, over its large door sills, and down into its fighter jet-like Alcantara-coated cockpit. A large glass canopy, which pulled shut, was the only thing missing, something I'd expect Lamborghini to have included in the Reventón's optional extras list alongside rocket pods and ejector seats. A strong smell of fuel tickled my nose while heat dissipated through its rear vents, the bull's throbbing heart cooling from a previous 190 mph run. Being a Lamborghini, it had its oddities. The steering wheel and gauge cluster were offset by two inches, while the climate controls, identical to the Murciélago's, were taken from a Rover 45 hatchback. Lamborghini Reventon Roadster interior 'We'll aim for 180-ish mph,' said the owner as we pulled onto the runway alongside a yellow Lamborghini Diablo SV. 'I'll tell you when to back off the throttle." We waited for what felt like a lifetime at the end of the runway. The previous cars, a Porsche 911 Turbo S and Boxster 718, had to clear before we barrelled behind. Soon enough, the marshals provided a countdown: 3, 2, 1. Shaking like a dog doing the toilet, I planted the throttle. The car hesitated slightly before the revs climbed dramatically. Then, we were off. The jet fighter cluster climbed in a captivating, early digital way, while the V12 symphony bounced off surrounding hills; the E-Gear transmission producing a slight clunk with each cog swapped. 100 mph, 120, 140, 150, 175, 180. My hair, blowing around like that of an Afghan Hound with its head out of a car window. At 183 mph, I backed off through fear that I might actually take off, or end up with a repair bill forcing me to sell everything I own, including my organs, dogs, house and family. With enough runway, however, the Reventón would've easily hit its 205 mph top speed. Lamborghini Reventon Roadster The first 'BRAKE' sign soon appeared as we neared the end of the runway. By that point, I was still doing 135 mph, which felt more like 70. A glance at the side mirrors revealed the bat wings that had previously been sucking air into the Reventón's V12 at the run's beginning. Pulling off the runway, I reduced my speed to the RAF base's 15 mph as we trickled back to the runway's start point, which gave me time to properly adjust to the Lambo's cabin. After prodding a few buttons, the owner revealed that not everything works as it should, this being backed by a failing LED brake light and malfunctioning bat wings throughout the day. 'I'll fix it later', adds the owner. Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Most Reventóns won't see their top speed, but instead the back of a cab while sitting in busy traffic surrounded by supercar spotters. If you can find one for sale, you'll own one of the rarest bulls ever made. It's utterly fabulous and a reminder of how wild Lamborghini can be.
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Scotland's last RAF base – from £3.5BN submarine hunters to Top Gun jets poised to intercept Russian attack
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RAF Lossiemouth is poised to play its part in the spiralling Israel-Iran conflict with RAF Typhoon fighter jets being sent to the Middle East. But it's just the latest war the brave men and women at the Scots military base in Moray have put their lives on the line for over the decades. 9 RAF Lossiemouth is poised to play its part in the spiralling conflict in the Middle East Credit: Northpix 9 RAF Lossiemouth is the home of the £3.5bn Poseidon submarine hunter project Credit: Northpix 9 Sun reporter Matt Bendoris explores behind the scenes at RAF Lossiemouth Credit: Northpix Today, we take you behind the scenes to show you how it ticks. Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS not only meets the Top Guns, but many of the backroom staff that help protect our country from the air in these increasingly uncertain times. Behind the scenes at RAF Lossiemouth THE sign above the entrance to 9 Bomber Squadron HQ reads: 'Welcome to Gotham'. I was expecting more Maverick from Top Gun rather than the Caped Crusader, but it turns out their badge is a green bat to highlight the unit's night-bombing exploits. And I would get to feel like Batman himself when I had to don 16kgs — that's two and a half stone — of a Typhoon fighter pilot's high-tech kit. Just getting into it was a work-out in itself, even with the help of survival equipment technician Corporal Claire Weston. Claire, 36, from Wiltshire says: 'You're wearing an anti-G (anti-gravity) jacket and trousers. 'When the pilots are in the aircraft they inflate so the blood remains in the right places and they don't pass out.' Lastly the 4kg — nearly 9lb — helmet was squeezed on, making me feel and look like a bobblehead toy with ear defenders that rendered me completely deaf. Real pilots sometimes have to wear this clobber for 16 hours at a time, which begs the question — what do they do when they need a number one up there? RAF pilots will get NUCLEAR bombers for first time in 30 years as Keir Starmer says UK must prepare for threat of war Flight Lieutenant Rob 'Cheese' Smith, 30, from Winchester, says: 'We have a contraption called Skydrate, which is basically a bag with a hose that makes having a wee pretty easy.' But less said about No2s the better, Rob adds: 'Yes, that would be bad, especially if you've got no option.' Now, fully kitted out, 'Bendy 1' was reporting for duty. Base commander Sarah Brewin, below, explains: 'Our mission at RAF Lossiemoith is really clear. 'We defend the skies of the United Kingdom. We defend the seas of the United Kingdom. And we deliver on global operations for the benefit of the country.' Of course not only do our forces have to keep an eye on what's going on with Mad Vladimir Putin in the East, since 9/11 our pilots also have to intercept any unidentified aircraft entering our airspace. Scrambling the jets is called a Quick Reaction Alert so when the alarm sounds I spring into action, legging it as fast as the restrictive clobber would allow to No2 hanger. Waiting for me was a Typhoon with the call sign F-MOG — which eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted in the current series of Top Guns. And it turns out the Channel 4 show has done probably more for recruitment than any slick RAF promo videos. 9 'Welcome to Gotham' - the sign welcoming visitors to 9 Bomber Squadron at Lossiemouth Credit: Northpix 9 Our reporter Matt Bendoris climbs into the cockpit of a high-tech Typhoon fighter Credit: Northpix 9 RAF Typhoon jets are scrambled to intercept aircraft during Quick Action Alerts Credit: Northpix 9 Wing Commander David Higgins in front of 'submarine hunter' Poseidon(P-8A) aircraft Credit: Northpix Wing Commander Dave Higgins - Squadron Leader of the neighbouring 120 Bomber Squadron - says:: 'Top Guns has seen a huge amount of interest in the RAF's operations. It allows people to see the important work being done at our bases.' After my mock QRA I return to the changing rooms where I have sweat dripping from, well everywhere, onto the floor, making me more of a Plop Gun. Even Corp Claire remarks: 'Our pilots don't sweat that much.' But when it comes to pilot's nicknames, apparently there is only one rule. Dave explains: 'You're not allowed to choose your own. 'So your friends and colleagues decide on one at the appropriate moment and that might stay with you for life.' Of course the real Top Guns not only have to be superfit, but extremely skilled too, as they pilot these £120million aircraft with a top speed of over 1,500mph. But Lossiemouth is also home to the £3.5billion Poseidon project — a maritime patrol aircraft that monitors the UK's waters, equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare. And if the aircraft shape looks familiar that's because they are a version of a Boeing 737, albeit with longer, reinforced wings to cope with the extreme turbulence while flying at 200ft above the sea. Squadron leader Dave, 44, from Warrington, Cheshire, says: 'Anyone who's flown with Ryanair will be familiar with the 737. 'Although the type of flying we do can be very low-level over the sea, dropping sensors that listen to submarines or torpedoes. That can get rough and leave even experienced air crew feeling queasy. 'But unlike the Typhoons, we do have a toilet, because some of our sortees can be nine hours long — even longer if we get some air to air refuelling.' 'The moral component' of fighting power REVEREND Wing Commander Adrian Dyer revealed how he gives RAF Lossiemouth personnel the 'moral component' to fight. The 58-year-old Welshman has been on the frontline with the RAF in Afghanistan while he's also served in the Middle East and Falkland Islands. He explains: 'The reason we're still in uniform as chaplains is because we contribute to the moral component of fighting power. 'It's quite a technical term, but it's about people's willingness to fight and their understanding of why they're doing what they're doing. 'In an ordinary job most people do it as a calling or there's a monetary incentive. That's never going to get you through a conflict situation. 'So part of what we do is help them to come to terms with what they're sometimes called upon to do in the armed forces.' And the padre believes that staff are more willing to open up to RAF chaplains rather than civilian ones. He explains: 'You go through the same sort of training and you have to be able to pass the officer course before you're commissioned. 'You're living alongside people and you're with them. So when they go on deployment, you go on deployment as well. 'But under international law you go as a non-combatant. You're there as a support function around the armed forces to help them to do the job they need to do.' It's not just about the dashing pilots on a base this size — and Lossiemouth covers 1,400 acres. There are over 3,000 staff including 2,000 military personnel, 1,000 contractors and 250 civil servants. And there's plenty to do in their down time with their own rugby team and extensive gym facilities, while its latest addition is an e-sports arena where RAF personnel can play Call Of Duty — talk about a busman's holiday. Chief technician Tom Gregson, 39, from London helped put the state-of-the-art centre together with the help of the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) fund. He says: 'We wanted to build somewhere all ranks and all trades can socialise and come together. 'So right now the PCs are set up for multi-player Call of Duty Black Ops. But because the PCs are high spec we can run any game requested.' 9 The RAF even has it's own eSports league Credit: Northpix 9 The state-of-the-art centre was created so "all ranks" could socialise together Credit: Northpix Lossiemouth has also recently undergone £700million worth of improvements including a new housing blocks where everyone is seemingly oblivious to the constant roar of aircraft. Boss Sarah says: 'We are the noisy neighbours in the area. 'But the local authority in Moray has given us their unwavering support, even for some of our antisocial flying activities. 'The amount of fuel that we draw each year is phenomenal — we're probably one of the biggest users of fuel in Scotland.' And Sarah, who joined the RAF 20 years ago aged 22, insists each one of her staff are as important as the high-flying air crew. She says: 'I actually originally joined as air crew, but embarrassingly, I was too light for the ejection seat. Despite my best efforts at eating pies and chips, I couldn't keep the weight on. 'But it doesn't really matter what your functional area is in the Royal Air Force. Whether you're on the frontline or behind the scenes we're all part of the same team.'
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Everywhere in the country you could see the Red Arrows this weekend
The famous Red Arrows will make their way across parts of England this weekend as they carry out a display at the RAF Cosford Air Show - here is where you can see them Excited Brits will be looking to the skies this weekend as the Red Arrows take to the air for some more spectacular displays. The red jets are taking part of the RAF Cosford Air Show in Shropshire on Sunday and will fly over parts of the Midlands and northwest England. Brilliant airborne tricks, daredevil flying and symbolic display has made the Lincolnshire-based squadron a favourite for Brits over the years and mean many of those attending the air show will be hotly anticipating their arrival. But they will also be visible from a number of places in the area close by tomorrow. Today, the crack flying team departed from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, to Liverpool's John Lennon Airport. The Red Arrows' route will begin at 2:59pm tomorrow. After flying over Ellesmere Port, the squadron is expected to be northeast of Chester just two minutes later. Then, the team will barrel through British skies travelling south to an area around Cholmondeley, before turning northeast towards Natwich and then south past Blackbrook, Walford, Harper Adams University and Lilleshall before reaching RAF Cosford. The team will then head east to their home in Lincolnshire following the display. The Red Arrows are expected to be northeast of Brewood at 3:34pm and will pass near Uttoxeter and Sutton-on-Trent on their way to Waddington at 3:45pm. The times could change due to the weather or other factors, according to the website whic shared the expected route and timings. This year's air show at Cosford, meanwhile, will feature an array of legendary aircraft like the American P51 Mustang, royal Air Force Chinook helicopter and F-35B Lightning fighter jet. The arrival of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, will see the iconic Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane planes and the C-47 Dakota. Organisers of the event said the theme of the show this year is 'Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate'. It said: 'The air show will commemorate some of our history both in terms of assets and through displays in the Victory Village; Celebrate the work of the Royal Air Force, NATO Allies and Partner nations; And seek to inspire the next generation by showcasing how the armed forces innovate together and with our Defence sector partners in the STEM Hangar.' "There is an exhilarating experience for every member of the family at the RAF Cosford Air Show. :Pretend to be a fast jet pilot with our fascinating static displays, explore exciting careers in the STEM hangars, meet historic icons in the vintage village, discover a range of memorabilia, and feel the power as awesome aircraft fly overhead."
