Police responded to a tip of a suspicious car on Tuesday, causing a brief evacuation of Donald Trump’s new golf club in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The incident happened a few hours after the president of the United States officially broke the ribbon for the new MacLeod Course, an 18-hole course at the Trump International Golf Links near Aberdeen.
When the car was seen at the estate’s entrance at approximately 3 p.m., authorities verified that the lockdown had been initiated. As a precaution, staff, reporters, visitors, and members of the public were promptly repositioned behind crash barriers.
To look into what was in the car, Police Scotland sent out police and a bomb disposal squad. A liquid container discovered inside the car was inspected by specialists, but it was ultimately concluded that there was no danger.
Officials declared that nothing alarming had been discovered after a thorough security assessment, and the cordon was removed. No one was arrested during the roughly hour-long evacuation.
The Independent claims that the security incident occurred on the same day that Trump officially opened the new course, inviting family members, business leaders, and professional athletes as guests. Earlier that morning, after cutting the ribbon, the president played a ceremonial round of golf.
Trump’s kids, Donald Jr. and Eric, joined him and assisted in managing the course’s development. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley was also present, along with former football players Gianfranco Zola, Robbie Fowler, and Andriy Shevchenko.
Trump referred to the course’s design as one of the best in the world during his remarks to reporters. He also used the occasion to express his gratitude to his son Eric, who oversaw the expansion.
At Menie, something is going on. We left the golf course after being moved multiple times. A van with a bomb disposal equipment was observed.
To keep us past the barrier, police are forming a line. Nobody understands why we are unable to leave.
Around 5:00 p.m., Trump is scheduled to depart Scotland.Twitter: pic.twitter.com/3Y2HLtcjiU
July 29, 2025 Craig Meighan (@craigymeighan)
Trump’s late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, and this most recent golf facility bears her name. When Trump has visited Scotland, he has often mentioned his Scottish heritage as a source of political and personal pride.
The event on Tuesday concluded a five-day visit to Scotland that included meetings with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During his visit, Trump spoke on ongoing Middle East crises, trade issues, and transatlantic unity.
The trip garnered a lot of public attention and outrage, despite Trump framing it as both official and personal. Protesters criticized his commercial tactics, foreign policy positions, and environmental record at demonstrations in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
We extend a warm welcome to President Trump and his family as they inaugurate the New Course at their beloved Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. Before tomorrow’s great opening ceremony, the President received the Prime Minister and other special guests at MacLeod House this evening.OVwMUa2EdZ pic.twitter.com/
July 28, 2025, Trump International, Scotland (@TrumpScotland)
By holding banners that referenced Scottish symbols like Irn-Bru, throwing golf balls, and waving bagpipes, activists made fun of Trump’s visit using humor and symbolism. The construction of Trump’s golf courses in Scotland has long been opposed by protesters, particularly because of the potential environmental harm to the Menie Estate’s protected sand dunes.
Trump’s earlier pledges to significantly increase infrastructure, investment, and job development in the region, according to critics, have not materialized. Additionally, they draw attention to the fact that several components of the initial development plan—like a hotel and housing units—remain unfinished.
Local leaders have occasionally voiced support for the resort in spite of public criticism, pointing out its capacity to draw tourists and attention from around the world. Later this year, the new course will host a PGA Seniors Championship and open to the public on August 13.
Thousands of police officers have been stationed throughout Scotland and England to provide strict security for the president’s visit. The areas around Trump’s travels were monitored using military-grade equipment, and surveillance drones were grounded.
Later that night, Trump boarded Air Force One to return to the United States from Scotland.