US President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland for an extended weekend of golf and diplomacy, during which he will meet with the British Prime Minister, Kir Starmer, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The presidential aircraft Air Force One landed shortly before 8.30 pm local time at Prestwick airport, south west of Glasgow.

Speaking to reporters, the US president confirmed he would meet with von der Leyen and reiterated that the chances of reaching a trade deal are 50-50 as 20 different “thorns” remain to be resolved. But he added that “it will be the biggest deal of all if we do it.”

Referring to his meeting with Starmer, he recalled that the two sides have already reached a trade deal and therefore “will discuss other things.”

On the possibility of pardoning Gislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s partner and associate, to testify about what she knows about the financier and sexual predator’s activities, Trump said, “Now is not the time” to discuss the issue.

Trump will then head to Turnberry, one of two golf courses owned by the family business run by his eldest sons.