‘Complete nonsense!’ Donald Trump faces fresh backlash over new Scottish course

Donald Trump’s new golf course in Aberdeenshire has faced more significant backlash from disgruntled observers.

Last week, Scottish Green Party MSP Maggie Champion branded the development of a second course at Trump’s northern property a “vanity project.”

“We should be protecting our natural environment, not offering it up to a racist climate change-denier with a long history of lies and dodgy business dealings,” Chapman said, as first reported by The Herald.

The blistering attack came after Trump International, Scotland confirmed that the MacLeod Course – named in honour of the former President’s Scottish-born mother – will open its doors next summer.

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Chapman’s claims were dismissed by Trump’s organisation as “pathetic” and “baseless.”

However, the organisation is now facing further criticism over its remarks about the golf course’s environmental credentials.

Trump International describes its new links venue at Balmedie as “one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable courses ever built,” with “virtually all of the materials” locally sourced with a sustainable irrigation system.”

It also draws attention to the planting of “more than one million sprigs of native marram grass” and the sowing of “six tons of marram seeds” across the course.

But environmentalists are not impressed, amidst claims the new MacLeod course has caused permanent damage to the Foveran Links sand dunes.

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Bob Ward, a policy London School of Economics, brushed off the suggestion that building another 18-hole course next to another one is eco-friendly as “laughable” and “complete nonsense”

Ward told the i newspaper: “The damage is severe and irreparable, so there is no way they can credibly make that claim.”

However, Trump International are standing by their statement.

“We brought in the very best ecologists, geomorphologists and environmental scientists to ensure the courses work seamlessly within the landscape,” a spokesperson said.

“Both courses were designed and built with the utmost respect for the unique environmental features of the site and its long-term maintenance and sustainability. Protecting and enhancing the land’s natural features lies at the heart of the design and construction methodology.”

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.