Police Scotland are preparing for a potential visit by US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently holidaying in the UK with his family. The Republican politician's unconfirmed trip north of the border would follow President Donald Trump's five-day visit to Scotland last month.
Vance is spending his holiday in the Cotswolds but made a detour to Kent on Friday for an unusual diplomatic encounter. He joined Foreign Secretary David Lammy for carp fishing at Chevening House, the Foreign Secretary's official countryside retreat.
Planning underway for significant operation
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed preparations are in motion for what would be a major security operation. "Planning is under way for a potential visit to Scotland by the vice president of the United States," they said, adding that details would be for the White House to comment on.
The force emphasised the importance of advance preparation for such a significant policing operation. Vance and his family are reportedly considering a visit to Ayrshire, though they would not be staying at Trump's Turnberry resort, according to Sky News.
Diplomatic fishing creates special moment
During his fishing trip with Lammy, Vance expressed his affection for Britain but joked about committing a diplomatic blunder. "Unfortunately, the one strain on the special relationship is that all of my kids caught fish, but the Foreign Secretary did not," he said.
The Vice President described Lammy as a "very, very gracious host" and said he had a "love" for the UK. The informal meeting represents an early diplomatic engagement between the new Trump administration and the Labour Government.
Following Trump's recent Scotland visit
Trump's own visit to Scotland ended less than two weeks ago, during which he hosted both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney. The President entertained guests at his golf resorts at Turnberry in South Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire.
The potential Vance visit would continue the new administration's early engagement with the UK, reinforcing the importance both sides place on the special relationship between the two nations.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
