Environmental activists from Greenpeace UK have taken their protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's environmental policies to the sands near his Turnberry golf course in Scotland. The protest, which featured a massive 55m by 40m sand artwork of Trump's face alongside the slogan 'Time to resist - fight the billionaire takeover,' was designed to be visible only from the air, leaving golfers on the course unaware of the demonstration unfolding nearby.

The sand artwork, created in collaboration with the arts organisation Sand in Your Eye, was timed to coincide with the first 100 days of Trump's second term in office. Greenpeace has criticized the president's decisions during this period, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the administration's support for coal and oil projects. The protest aimed to highlight what the group sees as a prioritization of corporate profits over environmental protection and public health.

Areeba Hamid, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, articulated the group's concerns, stating that Trump's policies have actively worked to dismantle environmental protections and silence activism. 'It's time to resist the billionaire takeover of our rights and freedoms,' Hamid said, accusing the president and his allies in the fossil fuel industry of endangering the planet and its inhabitants for financial gain.

This marks the second protest targeting Trump's Turnberry golf resort in recent months, following an earlier demonstration by pro-Palestine activists. The sand artwork, a temporary installation, was eventually washed away by the tide, but the message it carried reflects ongoing tensions between environmental activists and the Trump administration's policies. Greenpeace's aerial protest underscores the global reach of environmental activism and the creative tactics employed to draw attention to climate change and corporate influence in politics.

King Charles has commenced his annual Holyrood Week in Edinburgh, marking a period of royal engagements that celebrate Scottish culture and heritage. The monarch's arrival at the Palace of Holyroodhouse was met with traditional pageantry, including the Ceremony of the Keys, a symbolic gesture welcoming the sovereign to the city. This event underscores the deep historical ties between the monarchy and Scotland, with the palace itself serving as a testament to centuries of royal history.

Throughout the week, King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to participate in a series of engagements, from investiture ceremonies to garden parties, showcasing their commitment to recognizing the contributions of individuals across various fields. The inclusion of the first female members in the Royal Company of Archers, the King's ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland, marks a significant milestone in the modernization of royal traditions, a move that has been warmly received by the public.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, with its 289 rooms and rich history, provides a majestic backdrop for these events. Originally founded as a monastery in the 12th century, the palace has evolved through the ages, reflecting the changing dynamics of the monarchy and its relationship with Scotland. King Charles's stay here during Holyrood Week is a continuation of this enduring bond, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the Scottish people and their traditions.

As Holyrood Week progresses, the royal couple's activities are closely watched, not only for their ceremonial significance but also for their ability to bring together communities and celebrate Scottish achievements. From honoring athletes and artists to hosting garden parties, King Charles and Queen Camilla are playing a pivotal role in strengthening the ties between the monarchy and Scotland, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive in the modern era.