Scotland's Controversial Trump Golf Course Project Moves Forward

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Construction could begin as early as Thursday on Donald Trump's new golf course project on the coast of Scotland, after a local council approved the plan.

However, the Aberdeenshire council won't rule for several weeks on Trump's controversial plan to build more than 1,400 holiday homes around the sandy dunes of the waterfront golf course. Located near Aberdeen, the project was initially turned down at a local level, but eventually gained support over the objections of environmentalists.


With his usual subtlety, Trump has managed to annoy, bully and charm the Scottish countryside with his grandiose plans. Trump has made several appearances in Scotland, talking of his ancestral roots and touting construction of the "world's greatest golf course," only to face angry protesters.

From the start, an organized group of opponents argued the project would ruin a pristine stretch of waterfront. Several legal challenges have been filed and a few landowners are refusing to sell, which means the residential portion of the project may still face long delays. But the golf course approval was certainly a sign that the local jurisdiction is ready to move forward with the project.

The master plan for Trump International Golf Links covers 1,400 acres and calls for  a "five star" hotel, two golf courses, a golf academy and a five-star hotel, in addition to the vacation homes, on three miles of beachfront.

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