Trump's UK stay sees 'sniper towers' erected over 'American prison' Scottish golf resort

Donald Trump's Scottish golf retreat has been turned into what one local described as an "American prison" as the former US president touched down in Ayrshire for a weekend of golf ahead of his trip to Aberdeen next week.

The Turnberry resort, owned by Mr Trump, has been heavily fortified with high fences and what has been described as "sniper towers," with campaigners vowing to mount a "festival of resistance" during his stay reports The Telegraph.

Protest groups are expected to demonstrate over a wide range of issues - including climate change and the conflict in Gaza - with Trump Turnberry already targeted earlier this year. Activists from Palestine Action splashed red paint across the white resort buildings in March, and Greenpeace carved a giant sand portrait of Mr Trump into the beach with the words: "Time to fight the billionaire takeover."

More recently, a campaign group altered signage at Mr Trump's Aberdeenshire course with a message claiming the resort was "twinned with Epstein Island," amid renewed scrutiny over his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Epstein was 'a creep'

White House communications director Stephen Cheung dismissed the claims, stating that Mr Trump had once kicked Epstein out of his club for being a "creep" and calling the allegations "recycled, old fake news."

Speaking to The Telegraph, local councillor Gavin Scott said the heightened security presence at Turnberry had left some residents unnerved. "A local resident likened the high fencing and sniper tower surrounding the golf course to an American prison, finding the view quite disturbing and intimidating with a large armed police presence," he said.

Cllr Scott also questioned the cost of the visit, raising concerns over who is paying for the vast security operation. "To ask Police Scotland or our own government to pay for an already undermanned police force is quite ridiculous and grossly unfair," he added.

Demos should speak to police first

Emma Bond, Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland, urged protest groups to speak with officers in advance of demonstrations. "As you can imagine, it is a large-scale, complex operation, but actually that's something that Police Scotland is immensely experienced at doing," she said. Officers from across the country have joined the operation.

"The key very much is to make sure the president of the United States can come, enjoy a peaceful and safe visit to Scotland and ensure Police Scotland is able to maintain delivery of services to the rest of the community within Scotland over the period of his visit," she added.

'Warm feeling' towards Trump from many locals

Despite the protests, Mr Scott said there was still a warm welcome for the former president from many locals. "The feeling on the ground here in Girvan and surrounding villages is mainly of excitement and quite happy about President Trump's visit," he said, noting the investment made into the area through resort refurbishments and the maintenance of the famous course.

"Something tells me he is using his round to help persuade the R&A to return 'The Open' to Turnberry. We all wish him well on that one - what an achievement that would be!" he added.

Trump has said he is looking forward to playing the course again, telling reporters: "Turnberry is rated the number one golf course in the world. I'm going to see it for the first time in years. It's the best resort in the world, I think. It's one of the greatest courses."

The Ailsa course, with sweeping views of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran, last hosted The Open in 2009. Mr Trump is believed to be eyeing a potential return for the championship as early as 2028.

His visit to Scotland will include hosting a dinner with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before continuing north to the "oil capital of Europe" for lunches and a ribbon-cutting at the new Menie golf course.