Scottish Police Federation seeking legal advice over Trump visit plan

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) is seeking legal advice over Police Scotland’s plans for President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland.

The Federation has warned that the force may not have the resources it needs to deal with an operation of this scale.

But a senior officer last week said the presidential visit would not “come at the expense” of communities across the country.

Police Scotland has submitted a request to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for extra officers.

But the SPF, which represents 98 per cent of officers in Scotland, has expressed concern about obligations to officer welfare.

David Kennedy, general secretary, said: “We currently have workforce agreements in place to protect police officers and provide minimum standards of health and safety at work.

“Sadly, we have seen these agreements breached in the days leading to the arrival of POTUS and as such we are seeking legal advice regarding potential legal action against the service.”

President Trump is set to visit Scotland between 25 and 29 July, including trips to his golf courses in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting the US president in Aberdeen, while the Scottish Government is also expecting a meeting to take place between him and First Minister John Swinney.

Protests are expected by those who disagree with Trump’s politics and recent decisions while in government.

This will be the first visit Trump makes to the UK since taking up the presidency for the second time in January. He has close ties with Scotland as his mother was from Lewis.

He is set to return to the UK in September for a more formal state visit, where he will be hosted by King Charles. He will not be invited to address the House of Commons, however, as it will be in recess for party conference season.

Vice President JD Vance is also expected to holiday in the UK this summer, including a trip to Scotland.