Instead, US President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland has taken on a new significance, with the small village of Turnberry potentially the backdrop for a trade agreement between the EU and US.
According to officials in the European Commission, this is being treated as a “president-to-president” negotiating session. It is not a signed, sealed, delivered photo-op.
“There is optimism but no certainty that a deal will be reached,” they explained.
US President Donald Trump played golf at Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland
And so it seems that Turnberry is the place where both leaders will seek to overcome those final hurdles.
Some may raise an eyebrow that the meeting takes place, not in the US or in an EU country, but rather in the UK which voted to leave the European bloc.
But time is of the essence with a deadline approaching, and it gives both leaders a chance to meet and secure a deal that would avert increased tariffs on both sides of the Atlantic.
Mr Trump has managed to focus much of the world’s attention on Turnberry.
As well as his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, he is also holding bilateral sessions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney.
Trade, Gaza and Ukraine are all expected to be talking points when he meets both men.
Much of the UK’s attention will be on whether Mr Starmer can secure a commitment to reduce 25% tariffs on British steel, but also whether he can reduce 10% baseline tariffs.
There will also be focus on what is said on Gaza, with growing outrage around the humanitarian crisis there. Over 200 MPs signed a cross-party letter on Friday, demanding that the British Prime Minister recognise the state of Palestine.
Read more: ‘Optimism but no certainty’ as Trump and von der Leyen to meet on trade deal
Mr Trump’s Turnberry visit will be remembered for many reasons.
Turnberry welcome
In the seaside village of Turnberry there is bemusement among locals that they have found themselves at the centre of much of the world’s gaze.
The reception President Trump has received is similar to the one he was greeted with in Doonbeg County Clare in 2019, where many welcomed a man who had brought job opportunities to the area.
It is an investment not to be sniffed at according to people like councillor Alec Clark, the deputy leader of South Ayrshire Council.
The independent councillor, who also holds the Tourism and Culture portfolio in the council, told us this week that Trump Turnberry employs around 400 people.
Mr Trump bought the resort in 2014. His election as president in 2016 only served to boost the profile of the hotel and surrounding area.
Opposition exists however.
One elderly woman was clear that he was a man “totally at odds” with the people of Scotland.
“I don’t think we should entertain him at all. I don’t think people like that are welcome in Scotland at all,” she explained.
Scottish Protests
This weekend’s visit has been described as semi-private. As a result the president’s schedule during the visit is being decided and guarded by the White House.
It has made the organising of protests somewhat difficult for those eager to showcase their opposition to his presence, as they cannot be sure where he will be each day.
Protestors gather outside the office of the Consulate General of the United States against a visit to Scotland by the US President
Nevertheless, people protesting under the banner “Stop Trump Coalition” made their voices heard yesterday during simultaneous demonstrations in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Jack Nevin, organiser of the Edinburgh protest, explained that the gathering outside the US Consulate was not just to convey a message that Mr Trump is not welcome in Scotland, but also to showcase opposition to his policies, including in relation to Gaza.
“It’s a protest of Trumpism, and it’s a rejection of the politics of hate, division and fear, which is propagating in the United States and throughout the world,” he said.
A “Festival of Opposition” has been promised for Aberdeen where Mr Trump’s son Eric is expected to cut the ribbon on a second course at the family’s golfing resort. It will be named after the US President’s Gaelic speaking mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who grew up in the outer Hebrides.
Deal or no deal
The main takeaway from this presidential visit is likely to be whether the European Commission President leaves with a deal or without one.
European Commision President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Scotland and will meet US President Donald Trump today
Either outcome will have consequences for both the US and EU.
Should a deal not be reached, tariffs will increase to 30% on EU goods.
Europe has promised retaliatory measures on €93 billion of US goods too.
Ms von der Leyen’s decision to travel to Scotland is being taken as an indication that she is confident that it will be worth her while.
She landed in Glasgow last night and will make her way to Turnberry today.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Saefcovic is due to land today and will join her for the meeting.
Senior officials in the European Commission this weekend said that there was a feeling that talks had advanced to a point where leaders could meet and make final concessions.
And so all eyes will be on Turnberry, to see whether it is a deal or no deal.
