The organization representing rank-and-file police officers has voiced concerns regarding excessive working hours anticipated during President Donald Trump’s forthcoming visit to Scotland later this week.
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) alleges that existing workforce agreements, designed to safeguard officers’ well-being and ensure minimum health and safety standards, have been contravened.
The federation is now seeking legal counsel to explore the possibility of initiating legal action against Police Scotland.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond stated, “We are working closely with the Scottish Police Federation to address any concerns they may have.”
David Kennedy, general secretary of the SPF, previously indicated apprehension regarding the number of consecutive workdays officers may be required to undertake and the adequacy of notice periods.
Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Mr. Kennedy clarified that his members are governed by workforce agreements rather than standard employment law.
Mr. Kennedy stated, “There are breaches taking place within those workforce agreements which we are really deeply concerned about.”
“We are now having to seek whether or not we are going to have to take action against the service because of it.”
He further noted that some officers are currently scheduled for “12 hour plus days” for as many as 10 consecutive days.
The SPF general secretary also mentioned that a police officer couple planning to marry in the northeast this weekend were awaiting approval for leave, though he anticipated a resolution.
President Trump is scheduled to visit Turnberry and Aberdeen, sites of his golf resorts, between July 25th and 29th.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the U.S. President will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
President Trump is also slated to meet with First Minister John Swinney.
This visit marks President Trump’s first trip to Scotland since 2023, when he initiated construction on a new 18-hole golf course dedicated to his mother, Mary, born on the Isle of Lewis, at his resort in Menie, Aberdeenshire.
It remains unclear whether Trump will visit the course, now renamed the “New Course,” during his stay.
The president has owned Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire since 2014.
During a press briefing in Washington D.C., Ms. Leavitt stated that the meeting with Starmer – scheduled to take place in Aberdeen – would “refine the great trade deal that was brokered between the United States and the United Kingdom.”
She did not mention the scheduled meeting with Swinney, which the Scottish government previously indicated would be “an opportunity to promote the interests of Scotland.”
Police Scotland confirmed its preparations for a presidential visit earlier this month.
The Scottish government stated it had been collaborating with the national force to develop plans, with the potential deployment of thousands of officers as part of the security operation.
Trump’s previous visit as president, during his first term in July 2018, elicited large-scale protests in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
A paraglider flew over the no-fly zone established at Trump Turnberry, displaying a banner that read “Trump: well below par.”
In 2016, the late comedian Janey Godley participated in protests at Trump Turnberry, holding a placard with an offensive word describing the president.
More recently, pro-Palestinian groups have targeted Turnberry.
Police Scotland is likely to request assistance from other UK forces under “mutual aid” agreements.
Trump will return to the UK in September for an official state visit, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.
He will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle between September 17th and 19th.
Trump was previously hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. Typically, second-term presidents are not offered a second state visit, instead receiving invitations for tea or lunch with the monarch.
Ms. Leavitt stated, “This will mark a truly unprecedented second state visit for President Trump, and he is honored and looking forward to meeting with His Majesty the King at Windsor Castle.”
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