The king of business controversy has once again managed to irritate a segment of the population. In 2007, Donald Trump went to Scotland, claimed it to be his homeland and pledged to deliver “the greatest golf course in the world” on one of its most beautiful, sandy shorelines.
Thus started months of bitter fighting between the billionaire developer, residents, environmentalists and local and national government. After all the wrangling was finished, Trump was given permission last year by the Aberdeen Council to build the resort featuring a five-star hotel, 1,200 homes and two international-standard golf courses north of Aberdeen.
Much to the chagrin and ire of local residents, work began today to start clearing rocks and other debris from the future golf course site although specific plans have yet to be approved. Conservationists are furious that Trump is building on what is deemed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and supporters of those who live on the estate, and whom the Trump Organization is attempting to buy out despite their protests, have begun a group called Tripping Up Trump with the purpose of stopping compulsory purchase for private profit.
To be fair, the Trump organization has stated they are working with environmentalists to ensure environmental compliance; the issue of the unhappy residents (at last count said to be 15,000 signatures strong on a written petition) has yet to be addressed…or perhaps Trump just doesn’t care. It’s hard to say if this is a case of economic boom for Scotland that in the long run will help its residents or a case of the man many see as a bully of the business world just trying to get his way.
Written by Michele Minten
