Trump unveils �1bn golfing plans

Mr Trump visited the sand dunes where the course will be located

American property tycoon Donald Trump has unveiled ambitious plans for a huge �1bn Scottish golf resort.

The entrepreneur aims to create the "greatest golf course in the world" at Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.

The 1,400-acre development includes championship golf courses, a five-star hotel, golf academy and holiday homes.

It was thought the project, designed with a view to hosting major championships such as the Ryder Cup, would originally have cost �330m.

Mr Trump's outline planning application was lodged with Aberdeenshire Council on Monday.

Primary objective

Planning officials are expected to make a decision in June next year and, if approved, construction work could begin the following month.

Mr Trump's plans also include two areas earmarked for residential housing, although the Trump Organisation has stressed its primary objective is to create a world-class golf resort.

Ashley Cooper, executive vice president of acquisitions and development for the Trump Organisation, said the development would be the biggest thing that had happened to the north east of Scotland's economy since oil.

Mr Cooper said the capital outlay could be �1bn, although they would not have an exact figure until an economic study - currently being carried out by Deloitte was completed next year.

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