Four years ago, when Donald Trump landed in Scotland to announce plans for a new golf development in Aberdeenshire, people dismissed his claim that it would be the “greatest course the world has ever seen” as the type of brash hyperbole that characterises somebody worth upwards of  $1billion.

But there’s a reason people like Trump are billionaires – a proven track record of delivering on their word.

Having secured a world exclusive interview with the man himself (published in issue 98 of bunkered), I was privileged to be invited to Menie for a reception hosted by Trump, his son and business associates as they checked in on the progress being made to the course.
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After three years of bitter wrangling with local residents,   environmentalists and local and national government, work is now officially underway on the Trump International Golf Links Scotland at Belmedie, Aberdeenshire – at least for the time being.

If completed the £1billion project will encompass what American business magnate, and self-professed Scot, Donald Trump called “the greatest golf course in the world” along with a five-star hotel, 1,000 holiday, 500 houses and a clubhouse.

Despite getting the go ahead to commence the early construction phase of introducing new grass types and stabilising the sand dunes, many are still dead set against the development and hope to stamp it out.

Environmentalists, angry at the plans to build on a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, have been backed up by residents of the Menie Estate who may be evicted against their will should the finer details of Trump’s “masterplan” be approved by Aberdeenshire councillors. Read more…