Donald Trump said yesterday it was a “privilege” to own the Open Championship golf course at Turnberry after sealing a deal for his second Scottish resort.
The US businessman has pledged to invest millions in the hotel at the Ayrshire course to bring it up to the “highest levels of luxury”.
The outspoken tycoon also indicated that he may yet be prepared to spend more cash on his Aberdeenshire resort at Menie Estate near Balmedie.
The Trump Organisation is appealing against a decision by judges at the Court of Session in February, which upheld plans for an offshore wind energy test centre off the north-east coast.
A spokesman for the company again stated that any further development at Menie – including plans for a second course – would hinge on the 11-turbine Aberdeen Bay scheme being scrapped.
He said they “remain confident” that the latest legal challenge would scupper the green energy development.
The acquisition of Turnberry, understood to be a deal worth in the region of £35million, follows the purchase of the Doonbeg Resort in Country Clare, Ireland.
Mr Trump said: “It is an honour and privilege to own one of golf’s greatest and most exciting properties.
“I intend to invest many millions of (pounds) in order to bring the hotel to the highest levels of luxury.
“When completed, I believe the Turnberry Hotel will be the finest and most luxurious in Europe.”
The hotel at Turnberry will continue to be managed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts under the Luxury Collection brand. Mr Trump insisted the course itself will not in any way be touched or altered other than with the approval of the Royal & Ancient.
In the legal ruling in February, Lord Doherty rejected arguments made by Mr Trump’s legal team that the Scottish Government showed “bias” in approving the £230million European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).
The judge said the suggestion that ministers made up their minds on the project to suit the SNP’s renewable aspirations for Scotland was “wholly without merit”.