Donald Trump has broken his silence about having to scrap his dream of creating a golf course in tribute to his Scottish mother – saying she would agree with his decision to walk away.
The U.S. businessman is furious at the Scottish Government’s decision to approve a £230million experimental windfarm off the coast of Aberdeen, which he says will “ruin” the views from his Menie Estate course.
The decision was upheld by the Court of Session earlier this week – prompting the billionaire to turn his attentions to Ireland, where he has just bought a new resort.
Speaking to the Press and Journal from his offices in New York last night, he said he was sad to have to scrap plans for a second course, which was due to be a tribute to his Lewis-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. The proposed MacLeod Course would have sat next to the existing championship course.
“I think my mother would have agreed with the decision I have made,” he said.
During a visit to Scotland in the summer, Mr Trump put the finishing touches to the layout. It will now never be built – unless the wind scheme is scrapped.
Mr Trump added: “I have built the greatest golf course anywhere in the world. It is a tremendous asset for Scotland.
“I was very clear about what I would build. But I was also very clear about the fact I couldn’t build a luxury resort which looked out on these huge, industrial, bird-killing machines. The first course has been a huge success, and I was going to build another amazing course, but I have withdrawn my application.”
The tycoon also took another swipe at the SNP’s continued support for renewable energy.
“Scotland is a fantastic place,” he said. “Its people are its greatest asset, and after that its greatest asset is the wonderful landscape.
” But this is being ruined by windmills which are inefficient and take huge subsidies to run. I hear energy bills in Scotland are going through the roof because of them.” He added: “I used to have a great relationship with Alex Salmond, so it is very sad for me to see what is happening in Scotland.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Where the Trump Organisation chooses to invest is a matter for Mr Trump.
“The Ernst & Young Attractiveness Survey showed Scotland to be the most attractive destination within the UK after London and the south east for inward investment. With an estimated 25% of Europe’s offshore wind potential, the offshore wind industry in Scotland can deliver billions of pounds of investment and create thousands of jobs while playing a critical role in the fight against climate change.”