Trump Wins approval for Scottish Golf Resort
NOVEMBER 4, 2008. The Scottish Government has granted outline planning permission for Donald Trump's controversial lb1bn golf resort plan in Aberdeenshire. The US tycoon's plan to build two golf courses, as well as hundreds of homes, at Menie has caused business and environmental division for two years.
The plan was initially rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee but Scottish Government Finance Secretary John Swinney has backed it after a public local inquiry. First Minister Alex Salmond has also supported the decision, citing the creation of 6,000 possible jobs.
Donald Trump is said to be "greatly honoured" by the turnaround. He spoke to the BBC and said, "I would like to personally thank the thousands of people and organisations who have supported us throughout this process. As I have often said, because of the quality of the land we are given to work with, we will build the greatest golf course in the world."
Responding to the approval of Donald Trump's proposed investment in the North East of Scotland Ken Massie, VisitScotland's Regional Director for Aberdeen and Grampian, said: "We welcome the decision as the development will make significant impact on the north-east economy, and to the wider Scottish economy. Tourism will always be strong in the north east, but this development will help refresh Scotland's profile through the publicity it will generate and ancillary businesses will grow up around it."
"It is especially encouraging to see this level of investment given the go-ahead considering the current global economic climate and it shows the strength of appeal of the area. It will allow us to really raise the bar in terms of the tourism product we have to offer, and it will ensure the area remains a must see, must return destination. This is particularly important news as we look ahead to Scotland's year of Homecoming next year, in which golf will play a major role."
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