On the first day of his much-anticipated holiday in Scotland, U.S. Vice President JD Vance engaged in a round of golf at the renowned Turnberry golf course, owned by former President Donald Trump. Vance’s arrival in Scotland marked the start of a private family vacation following a busy schedule back home. He traveled aboard Air Force Two with his family, landing in the picturesque Scottish landscape on a Wednesday.
The Vice President, accompanied by his family, is residing at Carnell Estates, a luxurious property located on the outskirts of Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire. This lavish estate boasts an impressive 14th-century tower and a sprawling 10-bedroom mansion set against a backdrop of over 2,000 acres of scenic land, providing a perfect getaway for the family. After flying in, he embarked on a 30-mile journey to the famed Turnberry, where an entourage of U.S. Secret Service agents and military personnel ensured his safety as he engaged in the leisurely pastime.
Turnberry, famous not only for its stunning views but also for its strategic importance in the world of golf, has seen a steady stream of high-profile visitors. Just weeks prior to Vance’s visit, former President Trump himself took to the greens of Turnberry, adding to the property’s allure. During his time in Scotland, Vance is also expected to visit other notable locations, including Menie, where Trump has established another 18-hole course in Aberdeenshire.
Given the high-profile nature of his visit, security has been particularly stringent. Police Scotland implemented a “significant policing operation,” anticipating protests and demonstrations that often accompany visits from U.S. dignitaries. In fact, his arrival was met with protests from groups advocating for Palestinian rights, which underscores the complexities surrounding international political affairs that often emerge during such visits.
Airspace restrictions were placed around Carnell Estates to ensure the safety and privacy of the Vice President and his family, lasting until the conclusion of their holiday on Sunday. Vance plans to spend a substantial five days in Scotland, mirroring the duration of his boss’s recent trip to the country.
Interestingly, prior to his holiday, Vance had engaged in various diplomatic discussions. On Tuesday, he met with U.S. troops stationed at the Royal Air Force Base in Fairford, Gloucestershire, where he received comprehensive briefings regarding the base’s operational capabilities. Additionally, although this trip is primarily personal, he participated in conversations with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, discussing pressing global issues such as the situation in Gaza.
Despite his official role, Vance has historically expressed concern over certain domestic policies, particularly those relating to free speech. Earlier this year, he criticized the Scottish government’s introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics, arguing that such regulations hindered freedoms of expression and assembly. His comments included a dramatic assertion that “even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law.”
However, Vance also identifies strongly with his Scottish heritage, describing himself as a “Scots-Irish hillbilly at heart”. This connection to Scotland seems to resonate deeply within him, connecting his historical roots with his current role in U.S. politics.
Overall, JD Vance’s Scottish holiday at Turnberry underscores the ongoing interplay of American political figures engaging in leisure activities abroad while grappling with domestic and international negotiations. As he navigates this personal retreat amidst political responsibilities, it’s evident that both leisure and diplomacy continue to overlap in the complex world of global politics.
