Taxpayers and stretched force count the cost

DONALD Trump's visit to Scotland threatens a policing “disaster” amid staff shortages, cop burnout and stretched budgets, rank-and-file officers warn.

- BY DAN VEVERS

The US president arrives in Scotland on Friday and stays until Tuesday.

He is set to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Aberdeen and has scheduled separate talks with First Minister John Swinney.

But even a flying visit will rack up a £5million bill for taxpayers - while the threat of mass protests could strain the force further.

Police Scotland officer numbers are at near-historic lows of around 16,500 - with almost a third, about 5000, expected to be deployed or on standby for Trump's visit.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: "It's a recipe for disaster. We don't have enough cops.