Firebrand presidential candidate and business magnate Donald Trump’s campaign against windfarms on the Aberneenshire coastline has been taken to the UK Supreme Court.
“Monstrous”
The controversial tycoon, who owns the Menie golf course in Aberdeenshire has long been fighting against the installation of wind turbines that he sees as a “monstrous” ruining of the landscape. Part of his case involves addressing the issue of the legality of building windfarms on the protected coast.
In a statement on the Menie resort’s website, Trump states: “when I say this piece of land I was overwhelmed by the imposing dunes and rugged Aberdeenshire coastline. I knew that this was the perfect site for Trump International, Scotland. I have never seen such an unspoiled and dramatic seaside landscape and the location makes it perfect for our development.”
The turbines would be built by Aberdeenshire Offshore Wind Farm Limited, who applied for planning permission back in 2011. Permission was originally granted but since then, Trump has been campaigning tirelessly in Scottish courts against their installation, which would occur around 2 miles from his private golf resort.
A Ceaseless Battle
The basis of Trump’s lawsuit concerns interpretation of the 1989 Electricity Act that he claims has been misinterpreted in order to allow for the development of the 11 wind turbines that are to be built. He has accused Alex Salmond of purposefully twisting the legal process by which the building of the turbines was approved in order to advance his own personal interest in the project.
However, Trump’s battle has been unsuccessful at every stage so far. Indeed in June, when the issue was last raised in court, three senior judges presiding over the case found no grounding in Trump’s claims whatsoever.
Criticisms from WWF
Nonetheless, he plans to continue to fight. He has even claimed that if he fails at the Supreme Court, he is prepared to go one step further and bring the issue to European courts.
The wealthy magnate, responsible for the building of several skyscrapers in the US, has come under fire from various groups for his persistence in this particular battle.
Lang Banks, of the Scottish WWF has criticised him, saying: “Donald Trump should be using his vast wealth to do good instead of trying to kill off initiatives that will create jobs, boost the economy and help cut carbon emissions.”
