The Scottish Government is demanding full reimbursement from Westminster for the £24.5 million cost of hosting US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during their summer visits to Scotland.
The provisional figures, published on 22 October, show Police Scotland bore the brunt of the expense over £21 million for managing the President’s July visit alone.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said it was “completely unacceptable” that the UK Government had so far refused to pick up the tab.
“The visits imposed substantial operational and financial burdens on Scottish public services, particularly Police Scotland,” said Mr McKee.
“My thanks go to the thousands of officers and staff who worked extremely hard to ensure the safety and success of this massive operation.”
President Trump’s visit included high-level meetings with the Prime Minister at two Scottish locations, requiring an extensive security operation across multiple sites.
Vice President JD Vance visited in August, incurring a further £3.1 million in policing costs, with additional spending from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, ambulance service, and local councils.
“These visits were significant in terms of UK Government international relations,” said Mr McKee.
“The costs cannot be deemed solely a matter for the Scottish Government.”
The Scottish Government argues that, as with previous presidential visits, the UK Government should provide full funding, especially given the official nature of the meetings.
A detailed cost breakdown reveals that Police Scotland accounted for nearly 98% of the provisional £24.5 million total, with smaller but notable contributions from NHS Grampian, South Ayrshire Council, and emergency services.
The final figures are still being scrutinised, but the Scottish Government says talks with His Majesty’s Treasury are ongoing.
“We continue to engage with the UK Government to secure the necessary compensation for these costs, which were clearly not just for a private visit as they are claiming,” added Mr McKee.
A final cost report is expected once all figures have been verified and commercially sensitive elements reviewed.
