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Donald Trump’s Scottish golf plans inch towards the green

November 21st, 2007

30 November 2007
Latest news - Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure committee last night rejected the plans on the chairman’s casting vote after a tied vote.  Donald’s Trump’s team are “not sure” if they will appeal. Obviously there is a mix of emotions from all those involved - surprise, disappointment and happiness.  A difficult decision - the prospect of another world class golf resort in Scotland is a wonderful opportunity, balanced against the environmental concerns. 
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21 November 2007
Donald Trump’s dream of building the world’s greatest golf course on a stretch of remote and stunning coastline in the north-east of Scotland took a major step forward last night when it was granted planning approval by local councillors.

The development includes two championship golf courses, a five-star hotel, a golf academy, 950 holiday homes and 500 private houses at a 1400 acre site near Balmedie, 15 miles north of Aberdeen.

The application now goes before the Infrastructure Services Committee next Thursday and if approved requires only the final nod of the Scottish Government. If it meets ministerial approval, work on the course could start in January with the first tee-off in 2010.

However the application is not without opposition.  Environmental protection agencies have locked horns with Trump over the back nine holes of the major course, with concerns about the protection of endangered birds, rare plant species and delicate sand dune systems.

Residents in the quiet nearby village of Balmedie also are up in arms over the proposed resort, branding it a “gated community” with too many houses that would spoil the peaceful atmosphere of the area.

Countering this are the projected economic benefits to the area and Scotland, job creation and the longer term boost to tourism.

The row has echoes of the 1983 cult film “Local Hero”, in which a US oil tycoon earmarks a picturesque Scottish fishing village as the site of a new oil and gas development. Pennan, where parts of the film were shot, is just along the coast from Balmedie, although the beach scenes were filmed on the other side of the country near Arisaig. 

“Each and every golf course I have built has got awards for environmental protection” Donald Trump has said. He has also spoken proudly of his Scottish roots — his late mother was a Macleod from the Isle of Lewis.

His spokesman, George Sorial, said the tycoon is anxious to build a course in Scotland because it is the home of golf. 

At least there won’t be any arguments about that!

You can see more pictures of the imposing dunes and unspoilt dramatic coastline, and learn more about Donald Trump’s family history, on his website, http://www.trumpgolfscotland.com

Entry Filed under: Golf, Scotland