Speculation grows that Donald Trump may fly to Scotland on eve of Joe Biden’s inauguration

Mr Trump has refused to concede defeat in the November 3 election to Mr Biden

Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Donald Trump may be planning to flee the US for Scotland ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration, according to reports.

Prestwick Airport, situated near the president’s Turnberry golf resort in Ayrshire, is said to have been told to expect the arrival of a US military Boeing 757 aircraft, the carrier often used by Mr Trump, on January 19 – the day before Mr Biden takes over. 

The president-elect is set to be sworn into office in a ceremony at the White House on January 20. While it is customary for the outgoing president to attend, reports suggest Mr Trump will snub the event.

Mr Trump has refused to concede defeat in the November 3 election to Mr Biden, claiming without evidence that there was widespread fraud.

A source at Prestwick airport, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Herald: “There is a booking for an American military version of the Boeing 757 on January 19, the day before the inauguration.  

“That’s one that’s normally used by the Vice-President but often used by the First Lady. Presidential flights tend to get booked far in advance, because of the work that has to be done around it.” 

Air traffic controllers receive details of the arrival of a plane with a US special call sign weeks in advance but are not told exactly which plane when the booking is made, the paper writes.

The president has strong ties to Scotland, owning the Turnberry golf resort near Prestwick, as well as a course in Aberdeenshire. His mother, Mary, hails from the island of Lewis. 

If Mr Trump does fly to Scotland later this month he could be in breach of coronavirus restrictions.

Trump Turnberry is effectively closed under the rules, according to the resort’s website. 

The US now requires that passengers coming from Britain provide negative coronavirus tests after the UK discovered a new mutant strain of Covid-19.

It is also not immediately clear how, as a private citizen, Mr Trump would fly back to the US after January 20.

It was reported last month that Mr Trump is discussing the possibility of announcing a campaign to retake the White House in 2024 on Inauguration Day, skipping the swearing-in of his successor.

Biden transition officials said his attendance at the inauguration, or lack thereof, would not affect their plans, which will be scaled back due to coronavirus concerns.

The US Department of State said it was for the White House to comment. The White House did not respond to The Herald.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office did not comment.