Behaviour praised during Trump's visit

16 July 2018, 07:52

Thousands of protesters have been thanked by police for their "good behaviour" during Donald Trump's stay in Scotland.

Police Scotland organised a major security operation involving thousands of officers for the US president's stay at his Turnberry golf resort and a series of large-scale protests across the country.

The unprecedented operation is believed to have cost £5 million, with the UK Government footing the bill.

Officers were also thanked for their work as it was confirmed there were two arrests over the weekend.

A 55-year-old man was charged in connection with an incident where a paraglider with a protest sign flew over Turnberry on Friday, while a 64-year-old man was arrested in relation to alleged threatening and abusive behaviour on the beach at Turnberry on Sunday and was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.

No arrests were made at protests in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee over the weekend, which an estimated 11,000 people took part in.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: "This was a major and complex policing operation involving thousands of officers that impacted right across Scotland.

"Our priority throughout was to protect the president, maintain public safety and facilitate thousands of people across Scotland to exercise their right to protest peacefully.

"I would like to thank all of the officers and staff from Police Scotland and elsewhere that worked together in helping us achieve this and in particular those who took part in the protests in Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh for their good behaviour."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added her thanks to officers.

She tweeted: "This weekend has been a busy shift for @policescotland - they have done a great job. My thanks to all."