Timeline: The building of Trump International Golf Links

January 2006 It is revealed that Donald Trump is in discussions over the creation of a “major development” and it is thought discussions are ongoing between his aides and Aberdeenshire Council.

Talks stall however and Trump reportedly casts his eye to Ireland for his development.

March 31, 2006 Trump announces plans to construct a “world class” golfing centre in Aberdeenshire.

Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell welcomes the announcement but Scottish Natural Heritage states the countryside has to be protected.

April 3, 2006 Mr Trump reveals he is unhappy about plans for an offshore wind farm near his proposed site.

April 28, 2006 Mr Trump arrives in Scotland to visit the Menie site where he hopes to build.

He reiterates a warning that plans for an offshore wind farm could see the plans scrapped.

May 24, 2006 RSPB voices concerns both the wind farm and Mr Trump’s plans could damage the wildlife on the coast.

November 27, 2006 Mr Trump unveils the plans for his £1bn resort claiming it will be the “greatest golf course in the world”.

The 1400 acre development includes a championship golf coure, a hotel, golf academy and holiday homes.

March 30, 2007 An application for the development is submitted to Aberdeenshire council but an environmental impact report claims the resort would cause “significant advere changes” to the area.

August 17, 2007 SNH states that it plans to uphold an objection to the development.

September 7, 2007 Martin Hawtree, a leading golf course designer, is appointed to the project.

September 11, 2007 Aberdeenshire planning officials recommend that councillors approve the golf resort.

The local authority receives 327 letters supporting the plans with 105 against and a 28 signature petitions opposed to the resort.

September 24, 2007

A pressure group opposed to the plans – Sustainable Aberdeenshire - is formed.

October 19, 2007 Critics of the plans meet with First Minister Alex Salmond.

November 20, 2007

Aberdeenshire councillors give outline planning permission for the resort.

November 29, 2007 Members of the local authority’s infrastructure services committee reject the plans with the chairman, councillor Martin Ford, using his casting vote to make the decision.

November 30, 2007

Aberdeenshire Council leader announces a special meeting is being organised after “overwhelming public response and dismay”.

December 2, 2007 Mr Trump states he will not appeal the decision to reject his plans and that they are considering moving the project to Northern Ireland.

December 4, 2007 The Scottish Government makes the decision to “call in” the plans stating they require consideration at a national level.

December 12, 2007

Mr Ford is removed as chairman of the infrastructure services committee by his fellow councillors.

May 14, 2008 The plans for the golf course are altered to account for the impact on the dunes.

November 3, 2008 The Scottish Government announces following an inquiry that Mr Trump’s plans have been approved.

July 9, 2012 Mr Trump touches down in Scotland ahead of the opening of his new course.

July 10, 2012 The course is due to officially open with a temporary clubhouse. The hotel and houses are yet to be built while a decision is awaited on plans for a wind farm off the coast.

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