Scotland Protests Trump – With Wit, Bite and Bagpipes

EDINBURGH: As former U.S. President Donald Trump took to the greens at his Turnberry golf resort, protestors across Scotland responded not with rage, but with creativity, satire, and unmistakably Scottish flair. With bagpipes blaring, banners waving, and chants echoing through the streets, the country staged a cultural rebuke as spirited as it was strategic.

A Carnival of Resistance

In the capital, crowds gathered near the U.S. Consulate, chanting slogans such as “Trump Out!” and “Stop Trump. Migrants Welcome.” Protesters held signs condemning authoritarianism, while others made pointed references to high-profile controversies from Trump’s past.

In other cities like Aberdeen and Dumfries, a coalition of demonstrators—including climate activists, human rights defenders, and local political figures—delivered impassioned speeches, accusing Trump of spreading division and undermining global cooperation.

Cultural Protest, Scottish Style

Demonstrators embraced Scotland’s unique identity to sharpen their message. Bagpipers led protest marches, actors donned oversized Trump masks, and one participant carried a papier-mâché donkey labeled “Donald.” Others creatively etched protest messages into sandbanks near restricted golf course areas.

Placards displayed a mix of local humor and biting commentary, featuring Scottish slang and nods to national icons. The tone of the protest reflected Scotland’s longstanding skepticism toward Trump—echoed in recent polling showing a large majority of residents hold unfavorable views of him.

Security and Subsidies

Trump’s visit was accompanied by extensive security: armed patrols, canine units, and even snipers secured the area around his golf resort. Public access to nearby recreational spaces was restricted, prompting frustration among locals.

Amid this, controversy swirled over government funding provided to support a golf tournament at Trump’s resort. Critics accused officials of hypocrisy—offering public money to a figure who remains highly unpopular in the region.

Golfing in Isolation

While Trump played rounds of golf alongside his son and diplomatic guests, protesters were kept at a clear distance—barred from the course itself but visible and vocal along the perimeter. Signs and shouts were aimed toward the resort, but no direct engagement occurred.

His Scottish ancestry—through his mother, who hailed from the Isle of Lewis—offered little buffer against criticism. Many Scots saw his presence not as a homecoming, but as an unwelcome intrusion.

Protest Through Performance

Rather than pure outrage, the demonstrations unfolded as performance protest—satirical signs, choreographed chants, and symbolic art installations turned resistance into street theater. Messages criticized both American and British leadership on issues ranging from immigration to climate policy.

Context and Consequences

Trump’s 2025 visit to Scotland was part of a broader European tour, which included meetings with UK and EU leaders. The scale of the security operation was one of the largest in recent Scottish history, rivaling his previous visit in 2018.

Though the crowds may have been smaller than in years past, the message was unambiguous. Across cities and towns, Scotland made it clear: the former president’s politics—and his presence—remain widely rejected.