EDINBURGH, Scotland — This weekend, the streets of Scotland resonated with the sounds of protests against President Donald Trump's visit, featuring witty placards, the lively tune of bagpipes, and a unique blend of humor and resistance. As Trump arrived for a five-day private visit, Scots from various towns came together to express their discontent in a distinctly Scottish manner, demonstrating a mix of sarcasm and cultural references.
In central Aberdeen, near a statue of the legendary William Wallace, an activist set up a desk covered with a U.S. flag displaying the word "sorry." This gesture aimed to apologize to passersby for America's "failings." Joseph DeLappe, an American expatriate residing in Scotland for nearly nine years, described these interactions as "unscripted acts of connection, resistance, and atonement."
Trump, who has faced protests throughout his presidency, encountered a unique response in Scotland, where his maternal roots lie—his mother Mary Anne MacLeod was born here. During his visit, he was spotted playing golf at his Turnberry course and engaging in meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. His arrival sparked attention from local media, with the Scottish newspaper the National boldly declaring on its front page: “Convicted US felon to arrive in Scotland.”
On Saturday, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters flooded the streets of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dumfries. Further demonstrations are planned for Monday in Aberdeenshire. The protests featured signs that showcased unmistakable Scottish wit. One protester, adorned in traditional attire, played the bagpipes while holding a sign reading: “Pipe down Donald.” Others proclaimed “Nae Trump,” a Scots phrase meaning “No Trump,” and referred to the president as a “radge,” local slang for someone wild or crazy.
Some signs drew on pop culture and Scottish icons, with children holding up messages like, “Keep orange fizzy, not fascist,” referencing Irn-Bru, a beloved Scottish soft drink. Many protesters paid homage to the late Scottish comedian Janey Godley, who famously held up an anti-Trump sign with a humorous twist. Signs reading, “Janey was right,” echoed throughout the crowds, highlighting the shared sentiment.
Protesters who were unable to access Trump’s golf course took their creativity to the coast, crafting messages in the sand that included “Get Trump Out” and “Free Palestine.” Alena Ivanova, a lead organizer of the rally in Aberdeen, emphasized the deeply felt revulsion towards Trump’s politics, stating, “We are creative with our protests, but there is really a deeply felt kind of revulsion to the politics of Trump.” The rally, organized by the Stop Trump Coalition, focused on critical issues like climate change, migrant rights, and Palestinian solidarity.
More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, making it clear that Trump was not welcome in Scotland. Organizer Jack Nevin captured the nation's complex feelings towards the president with a sign that read: “Scotland hated Trump before it was cool.” Trump’s organization has faced scrutiny in Scotland over its golf courses for over a decade, and this visit reignited longstanding tensions.
While Trump has supporters in certain areas of Scotland, particularly in Turnberry where he is credited with boosting the local economy, many locals express discontent over broken promises and environmental issues. Activists even placed a sign reading “twinned with Epstein island” next to the main welcome sign at Trump’s golf course, highlighting ongoing controversies surrounding his business practices.
Despite the protests, Trump was seen blowing kisses to a few fans on Sunday morning, who shouted, “We love you, Trump.” However, an Ipsos survey revealed that 71 percent of Scots hold an unfavorable opinion of him, indicating a significant divide in public sentiment.
Scotland is more than just a protest backdrop for Trump; it is also his ancestral home. His mother, who married Fred Trump in 1936, was born on the Isle of Lewis. During this visit, Trump was anticipated to inaugurate a new golf course in her honor. Yet, even on Lewis, opinions are mixed. A banner reading, “Shame on you, Donald John,” has circulated around the island, displayed prominently by residents. Sarah Grussing, the banner's creator, explained that the wording serves as a familial admonishment for not upholding community values.
Alasdair Allan, a Scottish Parliament member representing the region, reflected on the local perspective: “I can’t speak for everyone in Lewis, and there will be a mixture of views here, as everywhere. However, I personally suspect that most people here will see in Mr. Trump a distinct lack of those characteristics which people in Scotland’s islands value particularly highly: modesty, self-deprecation, compassion, a hesitation in which to allow thinking before speaking, neighborliness, self-awareness, and a sense of humor.”
