US billionaire Donald Trump arrives in Scotland to open golf course

Donald Trump has arrived in Scotland ahead of the opening of his multi-million pound golf course in Aberdeenshire.

The US billionaire flew in to Aberdeen Airport as he prepares to launch The Trump International Golf Links at the Menie Estate on Tuesday.

Professional golfers Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie are expected to attend the opening of the controversial development.

James Bond actor Sean Connery has been named as the club’s first member.

Mr Trump said: "We’ve built what many people are considering the greatest golf course in the world and we’re very proud of that.

"It’s been so good for Scotland because they are talking about it all over the world. It’s been so good for Scotland, so good for Aberdeen."

Mr Trump also has plans to build a hotel and hundreds of homes at the £750m development but these have been put on hold as he waits to find out if an application to build a £150m wind farm around one mile off the north-east coast is successful.

The course will open to the public from Saturday with thousands already signed up to play.

Meanwhile, Scottish Green Party leader Patrick Harvie has submitted a motion to Holyrood condemning the development.

He also backed calls from the Scottish Wildlife Trust appealing for golfers to boycott holes built over the Site of Special Scientific Interest at Foveran Links.

Mr Harvie said: "The Trump saga has been a monumental embarrassment for Scotland and its governments. The way successive First Ministers, council leaders and industry sucked up to this bully boy billionaire was utterly shameful.

"Perhaps because the development took place away from the central belt little attention was paid to the impact on the community. The intimidation of people living there has been scandalous and the lack of interest from the ministers who sanctioned the project speaks volumes.

"We've sent the message that no matter how dodgy you are, flash some cash and Scotland will roll over. As we look forward to a historic decision on the future of Scotland, perhaps a real sign of how progressive we can be would be for the Government to tell this guy precisely where he can stick his nine iron."

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