The second stage of Donald Trump's trip to Scotland has begun, as the major security efforts move from Turnberry on the western coast to Menie in the northeast.
The political emphasis has shifted and become more pronounced. After reaching an agreement on tariffs with the European Union, the US president has been engaging in discussions on numerous issues.
Gaza and Ukraine were central in international matters. Energy policy and its impact onTariffs imposed by Mr. Trump on exports of Scotch whiskyto the US have also arrived.
In the northeast of Scotland, it's not only Mr Trump's responses to certain questions that are under examination, but also those of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney.
Both leaders are joining Mr. Trump for a dinner at Menie, the president's golf resort located just a few miles north of Aberdeen, a city recognized as Europe's oil capital.
Many followers of both Sir Keir and Mr Swinney have shown outrage over their choice to have a meal with the Republican.
Near the resort's shoreline, various oil-related ships are visible, alongside 11 windmills. The president attempted to prevent their building and remains upset about their presence.
It's not only the view that he dislikes. Mr. Trump has expressed criticism towards the size, speed, and type of shift from non-renewable to sustainable energy sources, a topic that is heavily influenced by advocacy efforts in this area.
Speaking with the Prime Minister at Turnberry earlier, Mr. Trump stated: "Wind is a disaster in Scotland and throughout the UK."
When we arrive in Aberdeen, you'll encounter some of the most unattractive windmills you've ever laid eyes on.
Regarding Sir Keir, this marks his initial visit to the northeast since assuming office more than a year ago. He is also facing scrutiny on the issue of energy.
The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce claim that 5,000 positions have "unnecessarily vanished" from the UK's oil and gas sector in recent years due to tax policies implemented by both Conservative and Labour administrations.
The leader of the government stated to journalists: "We support a combination. And clearly, oil and gas will remain with us for a considerable period."
And, that will be included in the mix, along with wind, solar, and an increasing reliance on nuclear power.
The trade organization Offshore Energies UK, previously called Oil & Gas UK, appreciated his remarks.
Chief Executive David Whitehouse stated, "If we are going to utilize oil and gas, let's extract it locally - in a responsible manner, with reduced emissions, and reaping the advantages for employment, tax revenue, and economic expansion that stem from domestic production."
Language holds significance, and the statements made by the Prime Minister today were highly appreciated. However, what is of greater importance is taking action.
However, climate activists have expressed strong disapproval. The environmental organization Uplift described Trump's call for increased drilling as "pure fantasy".
Uplift's executive director, Tessa Khan, stated: "New drilling won't reduce costs, and after 50 years of extraction, the basin is rapidly depleting its gas reserves – this is due to geological factors, not a political decision."
Trump's understanding of the North Sea is restricted to his perspective from his golf course, so we shouldn't pay attention to him regarding how we generate energy for the nation.
This perspective was backed by several protesters in Aberdeenshire who organized a rally outside the large police barrier surrounding Mr. Trump's Menie estate.
They expressed concerns regarding the expense of security for the visit. Additionally, they criticized U.S. policies covering issues such as abortion and immigration.
Esme Houston from Aberdeen stated: "We are here to tell Trump to go, plainly. We are not very pleased with his presence in our city and our country."
Another demonstrator, Hannah, stated: "It's crucial to advocate for what we, as Scotland, stand for. What he has done to this community through his golf course is intolerable."
There are problems with the environment. The community was given promises that were not fulfilled. Individuals were compelled to leave their homes.
Protesters also called for immediate measures regarding Ukraine and Gaza.
Jonathan Russell, head of CND North East of Scotland, stated: "We have developed an obsession with conflict instead of addressing issues through dialogue and negotiation."
A lot of money is being generated from people losing their lives, whether it's in Ukraine or Gaza.
Clearly, the current situation in Gaza is terrible, and our government, along with Trump, is all involved in this. And it needs to be changed.
One aspect stays the same throughout both parts of this journey. Golf.
President Trump spent some of the weekend playing the game in Ayrshire, and on Tuesday he will unveil a new 18-hole course at his resort in Aberdeenshire.
Yet within the lush greens and meticulously designed fairways of his high-end resorts, there is no avoiding the pressing, persistent questions regarding hunger and distress amidst the remnants of conflict.
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