Story perspectives

Seven Palestine Action activists charged over Turnberry vandalism

8/30/2026

Summary

Palestine Action Charged

Scottish prosecutors charged seven Palestine Action activists with criminal damage linked to terrorism at Trump Turnberry.
The activists were charged under Section 31 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 for a terrorist connection.
A preliminary hearing set for March 2026 was adjourned to October 2026.
The UK proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist group in July 2025.
Kieran Robson also faces an allegation of offending while on bail granted on January 9 2025.

Summary

Swinney Condemns

John Swinney met Eric Trump and condemned the Turnberry vandalism, expressing concern.
Non-resident tee times at Turnberry can cost up to £1,000 per head.
U.S. President Donald Trump acquired Turnberry in 2014 from a Dubai-based group for an undisclosed sum.
Police were first called to the Turnberry site at about 4.40 am on 8 March 2025.
Three defendants allegedly used vehicles with false registration numbers to evade detection.

History

Historical Context

On 9 February 1996 the Provisional Irish Republican Army ended its 1994 ceasefire with a lorry bomb in London’s Docklands, killing two civilians and injuring 30. The blast caused about £85 million in damage and Prime Minister John Major called it terrorism. In March 2025 Scottish prosecutors charged seven Palestine Action activists under 2008 Counter-Terrorism Act for damage at Trump’s Turnberry resort, illustrating Britain’s use of terrorism labels for protest.

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Palestine Action Charged

Scottish prosecutors charged seven Palestine Action activists with criminal damage linked to terrorism at Trump Turnberry.
The activists were charged under Section 31 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 for a terrorist connection.
A preliminary hearing set for March 2026 was adjourned to October 2026.
The UK proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist group in July 2025.
Kieran Robson also faces an allegation of offending while on bail granted on January 9 2025.

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