Donald Trump Announces Plans for Golf Resort and Hotel in Scotland

The Associated Press

Donald Trump wants to build a huge golf resort in Scotland that will cost up to $1.9 billion.

The U.S. property tycoon handed in official plans Monday for a golf academy and two championship courses on a 1,400-acre site near Aberdeen, northeast Scotland.

Trump, whose mother was born in Scotland, wants to build almost 1,000 vacation homes, 36 luxury villas and a 450-bedroom luxury hotel on the same site. No word yet on whether it will be a traditional hotel or a condo hotel.

Local planning officials are expected to make a decision on the project in June.

Environmental groups oppose the development, which is planned for the environmentally sensitive Menie Estate, an area of unspoiled sandy beaches.

"We will do the best we can to incorporate the most responsible development, economically, environmentally and aesthetically," Trump spokesman Ashley Cooper said.

Trump could spend $1.9 billion "in the next four, five, six years" in the home country of golf, Cooper added.

Trump, who owns several golf course in the United States, has already warned that any lengthy planning delays could lead to the cancellation of the project. He has also objected to a proposed offshore wind farm, saying it would ruin the view.

Alan Campbell, the chief executive of the local authority, Aberdeenshire Council, welcomed Trump's interest and said the planning process would be transparent.

"Such an investment could have the potential to deliver huge benefits," Campbell said.