Security ramps up for Trump visit: 'All eyes will be on our wee corner of Scotland'

“When Donald Trump visits, all eyes will be on our wee corner of Scotland.”

A major security operation is under way, with police on the ground and restrictions on airspace as South Ayrshire prepares to welcome the President of the United States.

“I think the security is much tighter this time,” Simon Glendinning, a local historian, told STV News.

“There’s a lot of police activity right now. A fence has been put up around the golf course, but he’s the President of the United States and there are certain security measures that need to happen.”

The road through Turnberry has been closed for the past few days, and it will be shut to everyone except locals until Donald Trump leaves.

The President is set to arrive in Scotland for a five-day visit on Friday night.

It’s officially a private rather than presidential visit, but Trump is expected to visit both of his golf courses in Scotland and meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

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Massive security operation in place as US President set to touch down at Prestwick Airport on Friday evening.

The Scottish Government has said plans are also being made for him to meet First Minister John Swinney.

Some locals told STV they “don’t like him at all”, and say Trump has a “lack of moral fibre”.

One man in Prestwick town centre called the President “a strange character”.

Mr Glendinning said the people of Turnberry and South Ayrshire have a “different relationship” with Trump after he bought the golf resort in 2014.

“When he bought the hotel it was really good for us locals because we were worried it would go into disrepair,” he said.

“He’s invested millions of pounds into the hotel and turned it into one of the most prestigious golf courses in Scotland.

“No one can fail to point out that Turnberry is a large local employer. With the money that’s been invested in the hotel, I think it’s done great for the area.”

He added: “When the president visits this week, all eyes are going to be on our wee corner of Scotland.”

Another local woman said she had to “give Trump respect for what he is”.

One man said: “Trump is a strong leader. He’s went into [the United States] and sorted it out. I think we need the same action in this country.”

Trump’s visit is expected to prompt protesters to take to the streets.

Police Scotland and the First Minister have urged people to express their views “peacefully” and “within the law”.