DONALD Trump has confirmed plans for multimillion-pound investment in his Aberdeenshire golf resort – despite an ongoing row over a nearby windfarm.
The US billionaire has been locked in a lengthy legal battle against a £230m windfarm in clear view of his golf course.
He vowed not to “invest another penny” in the site near Balmedie until the plans were abandoned.
But now, the businessman is submitting multiple applications to the local council for developments including a 400-capacity ballroom and banquet hall, and a 30-room staff accommodation building.
There are also plans for a second 18-hole course to be constructed, as well as more bedrooms for the 19-bedroom MacLeod House and Lodge hotel on the Menie Estate.
The Trump Organisation is currently in a court battle with the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre over the windfarm application.
Last year, the Scottish Government approved the proposals, but the decision is being appealed and the case now working its way through the secondary Inner House of the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
As a result, Mr Trump had been increasingly turning his attention and investment to new sites he has acquired – Doonbeg in Ireland and Turnberry in Ayrshire.
However, last night Mr Trump said: “I consider what we have created at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen to be one of my greatest achievements.
“We have incredible plans to further develop the site, and along with my investment at Turnberry, my commitment to Scotland is stronger than ever.”
Trump International Golf Links opened in Scotland in 2012 to a great fanfare, and is now in its third full playing season.
The hotel, which was granted five-star status by VisitScotland, opened in winter 2013 with a clubhouse development due to open in May.
George Sorial, executive vice-president of the Trump organisation, would not put a figure on the value of the latest investment.
He said: “This will be a substantial investment – it really will allow us to carry out the vision that Mr Trump had for the entire site. Our work there is not done.”
Mr Sorial added that applications for private houses and leisure accommodation, including hotel rooms, would be tabled later in the year.
