TWEEDDALE MP David Mundell says “it was right” to greet Donald Trump at Prestwick airport on Friday night.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the country last week to protest against the US President’s visit to the UK.

In his role as Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Mundell spoke to and shook hands with Mr Trump, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania when they arrived in South Ayrshire.

The local MP explained that he believed it was important to give a formal and respectful welcome to the “democratically-elected president of such a close ally”.

He said: “We have really important economic, security and cultural links with the United States and should respectfully welcome their duly-elected head of state.

“Obviously, there are a range of things on which I, and our UK Government, do not agree with President Trump as do many people across Scotland, some of whom have used their right to protest to make their views known during the visit.

“I felt, though, it was right to greet President Trump on his arrival and to wish him well for his visit here.’’

Both Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard and Green Party leader Patrick Harvie issued a joint statement urging the Scottish Government to prevent Air Force One from landing at the publicly-owned Prestwick airport.

Mr Mundell described the scene as the iconic Air Force One jumbo jet touched down as ‘surreal.’

Recalling his conversation with the President, he said: “He explained to me how much he enjoyed visiting Scotland and how pleased he was to now come here as President.”

“He obviously feels strongly about his mother’s Scottish heritage. He was looking forward to playing golf at the Turnberry resort and hoping the course was not too dry.”

The President left Scotland on Sunday, heading to Helsinki in Finland to meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin.