As the US presidential elections approach, Donald Trump is sparking controversy in Scotland with an ambitious golf course project. The latter, far from being unanimous, seems not to respect the promises made by the Republican candidate.
While the United States is in the midst of electoral turmoil, with citizens divided between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Scotland is also experiencing its own tensions around the former president. The construction of a new golf course by Trump crystallizes strong opposition there, symbolizing a tumultuous relationship between the candidate and his mother’s country of origin.
The Scottish Prime Minister, John Swinney, expressed his support for Kamala Harris, which was described as an “insult” by the company Trump International. The golf project, although it is the billionaire’s third in Scotland, has particularly attracted controversy due to its alleged environmental impact.
This golf course is due to open in Balmedie in Aberdeenshire next summer, and will be named McLeod, in homage to Trump’s mother. Executive Vice President of Trump International Scotland, Sarah Malone, explained that the motivation for the project was Trump’s “enduring love for Scotland”. However, the new route, surrounded by dunes and significant vegetation, has become a sticking point with Scotland’s natural heritage agencies.
In 2018, these agencies withdrew a classification as a site of scientific interest from the dunes in the area because of previous work. However, Trump International has claimed that this course will be among the “most environmentally friendly ever built”. Malone said, “Everything we’ve done has improved the environment.”
However, discordant voices are being heard. Maggie Chapman, a Scottish parliamentarian from the Green Party, criticized the ecological impact of these constructions on the dunes, calling them “fragile”. In the neighborhood, residents deplore Scotland’s association with Trump, like David Louden, who sees this project as “a playground for the rich”.
There is also vigorous opposition from David Milne, a resident who has refused to sell his home and is accusing Trump International of retaliation by building a fence in front of his home. However, some, like retiree Willie Rowell, welcome the economic activity the project could inject into the area.
Despite the initial promise to create 6,000 jobs and massive investment in the region, only a tenth of these jobs have been generated. Neil Hobday, former project director for the first route, told the BBC he felt “cheated” by Trump, regretting broken promises such as a non-existent luxury hotel and 500 unbuilt homes.
The Scottish government initially justified the project by its hoped-for economic benefits. But relations between Trump and Scottish authorities have deteriorated, particularly after his controversial visit in 2018 and his development plans which do not appear to have gained the momentum hoped for.
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