Wind turbines planned off coast of Trump's golf course may be altered

Wind turbines planned for an offshore test centre within view of Donald Trump's Scottish golf course could be altered under changes lodged by developers.

The height of some turbines off the North Sea coast near Aberdeen would increase to just short of 200m.

Mr Trump has previously said he will pull the plug on his own controversial plans to finish his proposed resort with a large hotel, holiday homes and a residential village if the wind farm goes ahead.

The partner firms behind the £230m 11-turbine European Offshore Wind Development Centre said the altered plans were submitted to make sure Scotland does not miss out on an opportunity "to lead the world".

Project spokesman Iain Todd said: "When we started talking to potential turbine manufacturers around 12 months ago, more than a dozen international suppliers expressed an interest in deploying off Aberdeen. Recent discussions have led to six working agreements being signed.

"In keeping with the demonstrator concept we decided to make minor adjustments to the project dimensions to accommodate the tallest of these turbines in the event that we procure them.

"We are confident that our careful design results in a barely perceptible increase in visual and environmental effects."

Mr Trump said in respond to the news: "Alex Salmond must have a death wish.

"Other countries throughout the world are abandoning wind turbine projects and not building previously approved structures because the economics just don't work.

"Without subsidies from England, Scotland would not be able to sustain his folly.

"Perhaps a recent Travel Golf blog, where the First Minister hubristically stated during a lunch interview that the EOWDC's proposal would 'absolutely' proceed, explains Vattenfall's recent bravado: they have already made a deal with 'Mad Alex' and his team.

"If so, Mad Alex truly is insane and the Scottish people will suffer for many years to come.

"We have also heard that Vattenfall is in poor economic condition and can't survive without the massive subsidies provided by the Scottish taxpayer.

"These subsidies will continue for the long term and will actually need to be substantially increased if the First Minister's goals to build thousands more throughout Scotland are realised.

"Despite these distractions, our position has not changed and we intend to fight this application and defeat these horrendous proposals that will ultimately destroy Scotland."

Under the amended plans, the maximum turbine height would increase by 3.5m to 198.5m and increase the maximum radius of the turbine blades by up to 11m. These turbines would be placed furthest from shore.

Closer to shore, the maximum height would decrease from 195m to 180.5m.

The partners created new images of what the development would look like from Mr Trump's golf resort, Murcar Links Golf Course and Royal Aberdeen Golf Course.

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