Donald Trump submits fresh plans at new Scottish golf course

American President-elect Donald Trump has submitted fresh plans at his new golf course in Aberdeen.

The MacLeod Course at Trump International Golf Links is set to open in the summer of 2025 and will sit alongside the existing links.

In August, Trump’s son Eric, EVP of The Trump Organisation, claimed they would combine to produce “the greatest 36 holes on earth”.

But the golf course is not the only new development at the site in Balmedie, as his estate team have bought five former Coastguard Cottages nearby.

Under the new proposals, the vacant homes would be revamped with porches added to the front and two single story extensions added to the back.

According to the Press and Journal, no change of use has been sought but it’s understood the cottages could be used as holiday homes.

In a recent visit, Eric told the P&J that talks continue over the plans for the cottages.

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“We are going through the blueprints now, and once we get all the right dimensions, we will design something really beautiful,” he said.

“These buildings have the potential to be so incredible, sitting there overlooking the sea, and coincidentally the 18th at the new course, which is super cool.

“Whatever we end up doing, we’ll make you very proud of them, that’s a promise.”

It comes after the Trump Organisation vowed to build hundreds of homes at the Menie estate, as part of £150 million proposals.

Those plans were backed over four years ago, but Eric insisted it would come after the construction of a second golf course.

The cottages are expected to tie into that scheme and would only be accessible through Trump International Golf Links.

Planning documents state that extensions to the front and back of the cottages would be removed, due to their derelict condition.

The P&J also reported that David Milne, a local who previously fought the golf course plans, has expressed concerns to Aberdeenshire Council.

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Milne alleged that trees had been removed without permission, asked for assurances that construction wouldn’t alter his home and asked for clarity on the use of the cottages.

A spokesman for Trump International responded: “We enjoy a great relationship with our neighbours, and our door remains open to David Milne, who should not be concerned about access to his property.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.