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• Applications being submitted to Aberdeenshire Council this week
• Trump’s hopes of second course reignited despite legal battle
• Primary wind farm investors Vattenfall now unable to finance project

DONALD TRUMP | TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS

A second course at Trump International Golf Links looks to be back on the agenda, with multiple planning applications being submitted to Aberdeenshire Council this week.

The course is part of the next major phase of construction and development at Menie Estate, which had previously been on hold due to owner Donald Trump’s legal battle with the Scottish Government on the approval of an offshore wind-testing centre.

The applications include detailed plans for a 30-bedroom staff accommodation building, a 400-plus capacity ballroom and banqueting facility and a proposal of application notice for the second MacLeod Course.

Plans have also been lodged for additional hotel accommodation and leisure facilities adjoining the luxury 19-bedroom MacLeod House & Lodge hotel, which was awarded five-star status by VisitScotland in October last year.

“We have incredible plans to further develop the site” – Donald Trump

Speaking in a statement, the property magnate said: “I consider what we’ve created at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire to be one of my greatest achievements.

“We have incredible plans to further develop the site and, along with my investment at Turnberry, my commitment to Scotland is stronger than ever.”

The American’s plans to further invest in Trump International have been reignited despite still being locked in a long-running legal battle over the threat of the proposed European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

An artist's impression of developments to the MacLeod House & Lodge hotel. An artist’s impression of developments to the MacLeod House & Lodge hotel.

The case is still in the Court of Session in Edinburgh, but the technology involved in the EOWDC is considered to be outdated and primary developer Vattenfall are now no longer able to finance the project.

Other stakeholders have also withdrawn their support of the scheme and with the Aberdeenshire coastline now unlikely to be blighted by the wind farm, attentions have turned to the significant economic boost that the developments can bring to the region.

Ian Armstrong, regional director for the Scottish council for development and industry, said: “At a time when there are some economic clouds on the horizon, the announcement of the plans by the Trump Organisation for further substantial investment in their site at Menie is a great boost to the region.

“The significance of a major international investor looking beyond short-term issues and adopting a long-term view should not be underestimated in terms of the fillip it provides to the North East of Scotland and its economy.”

The Trump International Golf Links Course Opens

Robert Collier, chief executive of the Aberdeen & Grampian chamber of commerce, added: “The business community in the North East will be pleased to welcome the continued investment in Trump International Golf Links.

“On top of the championship links course, the five-star accommodation and a new clubhouse opening in May, the plans for a second course, banqueting facilities, infrastructure and a refreshed master plan are confirmation that investment in the site continues to build a valuable asset for the region.”

Further planning applications for leisure and residential units are intended for later in the year.

Developments at Trump International Golf Links :: Your thoughts

What do you make of the plans put forward to develop Trump International? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

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