PROTESTERS turned up in force for Ayrshire’s most controversial hotelier’s first official visit as US President. 

Alongside the heaviest police presence Carrick has ever seen, protesters from across Ayrshire and beyond travelled to Turnberry for President Donald Trump’s visit – and were even given a cheeky wave as they chanted slogans from the beach.

A demonstration took place by the police barrier outside Malin Court led by local Green Party – featuring a 13-year-old on the bagpipes and occasional blasts of Mexican Mariachi tunes – while further demonstrators were positioned at the south side of the luxury resort.

Ayrshire Greens organiser Yvonne McLellan said: “We all took to the beach in a show of unity and support for those who are mistreated and oppressed. He thinks it’s okay to mock disabled people, brag about sexually assaulting women and marginalising the LGBT community.”

Green MSP Ross Greer said: “From 100 feet away we told this famously thin-skinned bigot that his hatred isn’t welcome in Scotland. People from across Ayrshire and even a couple of visiting Americans came together to show Trump Scotland is no place for a man so devoid of common decency.”  

There was a full road closure on the A719 between Maidens and Turnberry throughout the weekend with signed diversions in place.

There was also no waiting and parking restrictions enforced along the A77 as well as Turnberry Road and Kirkoswald Road in Maidens.

Despite protests many residents welcomed the visit, and how easier it was to travel on Maybole High Street.

Taxi driver Sharron Hunter, who received a wave from Trump, said: “I think it was an honour. Obviously he is who he is. I’m not political at all but he is the President. Driving through Maybole was brilliant as well, and to be fair the police were great.”

Car dealer Tom Mcdowall said: “Maybe the cost of it’s a thorn in the side. But he owns the place and he’s spent a lot of money on it. That hotel was dying on its feet before he took it over.”