Donald Trump has been granted planning permission for a second golf course at his Menie estate in Aberdeenshire, sparking outrage from environmentalists who warn of catastrophic damage to protected sand dunes. The decision by Aberdeenshire council planners last week allows the construction of the MacLeod course, named after Trump's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod.
Conservation experts had urged the council to withhold permission, citing the destruction caused by the first course built in 2012, which badly damaged the Foveran Links Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Despite objections from Scottish Natural Heritage, councillors recommended approval in September, and the planning service confirmed full permission on Friday.
Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Research Institute, condemned the decision as a 'green light to further vandalise Scotland's natural heritage.' The new course will be built south and west of the original, and the SSSI status is expected to be removed entirely.
Trump originally promised up to 6,000 jobs from a luxury development including a hotel, shops, and housing, but has so far built only one course, a practice range, and a small clubhouse. The approval comes as Trump trails Joe Biden in polls ahead of the US election, with speculation he may spend more time in Scotland.
