US tycoon Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort plans for the Aberdeenshire coast have been approved.
US tycoon Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort plans for the Aberdeenshire coast have been approved.
Mr Trump's plan to build a resort featuring two golf courses, as well as homes, at Menie has caused business and environmental division for two years.
Mr Trump's plan to build a resort featuring two golf courses, as well as homes, at Menie has caused business and environmental division for two years.
The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.
The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.
Finance Secretary John Swinney backed it after a public local inquiry. Mr Trump said he was "greatly honoured".
Finance Secretary John Swinney backed it after a public local inquiry. Mr Trump said he was "greatly honoured".
First Minister Alex Salmond also hailed the news.
First Minister Alex Salmond also hailed the news.
We believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product. It will be a tremendous asset Donald Trump
We believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product. It will be a tremendous asset Donald Trump
Mr Swinney said outline planning permission was being granted - and that the significant economic and social benefit of the project was a major consideration in his decision.
Mr Swinney said outline planning permission was being granted - and that the significant economic and social benefit of the project was a major consideration in his decision.
He said the Trump Organisation would need to make sure sand dunes and wildlife on the estate at Menie were properly protected.
He said the Trump Organisation would need to make sure sand dunes and wildlife on the estate at Menie were properly protected.
Mr Swinney has also ordered that no more than 500 private homes be built.
Mr Swinney has also ordered that no more than 500 private homes be built.
Mr Trump said: "We are greatly honoured by the positive decision and believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product.
Mr Trump said: "We are greatly honoured by the positive decision and believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product.
"It will be a tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland for many generations.
"It will be a tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland for many generations.
"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."
"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."
Many business leaders have backed the plans.
Many business leaders have backed the plans.
However, groups including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and RSPB Scotland opposed the project, due to Mr Trump's plans to build part of a course on sensitive sand dunes.
However, groups including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and RSPB Scotland opposed the project, due to Mr Trump's plans to build part of a course on sensitive sand dunes.
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