Nicola Sturgeon has advised Donald Trump against flying to Scotland to spend time at his Turnberry golf resort while the country is in lockdown.
The first minister was asked about our report that Prestwick airport had been told to expect the arrival on January 19 of a US military jet which has previously been used by Trump.
Ms Sturgeon said that she had no knowledge of any plans for Trump to head to Ayrshire, and that the only travel she hoped the outgoing president would be undertaking was exiting the White House.
Under new lockdown laws, it is illegal to travel in or out of Scotland for any non-essential purpose.
She said: “We’re not allowing people to come to Scotland without an essential purpose and that would apply to him just as it would apply to anybody else.
“Coming to play golf isn’t what I would consider to be an essential purpose.”
We reported on Sunday that Prestwick airport has been told to expect the arrival of a US military Boeing 757 aircraft, that is occasionally used by Trump, on January 19.
That’s the day before his rival in last year’s election, Joe Biden, is sworn in as the 46th president at a ceremony in Washington D.C.
The incoming president’s predecessor normally attends the ceremony, but Trump may be opting to skip it.
Speculation surrounding Trump’s plans has been fuelled by the activity of US Army aircraft, which were based at Prestwick airport for a week and said to be carrying out 3D reconnaissance of the president’s Turnberry resort.
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