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Donald proves he wears the troosers!

By Dan Johnson

A household name the world over, Donald Trump is, as his own website puts it, "the ultimate definition of the American success story". In the world of property, he is well known for creating superb luxury lifestyle resorts and his newest project takes him to Scotland, the home of golf and the country where his mother was born.

It hasn't been an easy ride though, with widespread opposition at one stage threatening the project. Last week, it was finally given the all-clear and Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, will feature two championship-caliber golf courses and a five-star luxury hotel among other amenities, on a 1400-acre stretch of spectacular sand dunes at Balmedie Beach on Menie Estate in the northeast part of the country.

But what do the locals think? I spoke to Katherine Ellis, one time Aberdeen resident now living in London...

So Katherine, you're from Aberdeen, what's Donald going to find life like up there?

I think Donald will quite like it. It's a small place, but quite rich because of all the oil, so he'll fit in. It's got the seaside and the hills and quite a large friendly population.

Puerto Rico, The Grenadines, Florida - they're a far cry from Aberdeen. Why has he chosen Scotland for his latest project?

It must be because the people are so nice!

As well as that, there's a lot of space for golf and it doesn't take long to get from the city to the countryside. It has a royal connection too - the Queen goes off to Balmoral regularly, which is only about 50 miles away.

The airport's international too, which probably has something to do with it. You can't fly everywhere, but you can connect to London very easily - there are loads of flights each day. Oh and there's loads of heliports for the oil rigs, so I should think it's quite well-suited for upmarket visitors.

I've heard it's pretty windy and cold that far up North, is it really a good place for golf?

I'm not really a golfer, but there's quite a few famous golf courses up there. St Andrews and Gleneagles are both quite close, so it must have something that's right. The weather isn't as bad as everyone makes out. It's on the coast, but it's sheltered by the hills and it actually gets less rain than either Manchester or Glasgow.

 There's been a bit of a local backlash from protectionists who are worried that the coast will be ruined. Have they got a right to be worried?

Apparently they can actually rebuild the sand dunes. Some will have to be knocked away to build the golf course, but they can be regenerated. Parts of Aberdeen beach are being rebuilt just now due to tidal wear. As for wildlife, think there's quite a lot of birds, but I should imagine they'll be quite careful with that.

It has caused something of a stir though. My Auntie lives in Newburugh, next to the golf course. Apparently one guy had a property right where the golf course was planned to be and he really didn't want to give up his family home, because he'd been living there so long. He was really concerned about the whole thing and was adamant that no matter how much money they offered, he wouldn't be budged. I'm not sure what happened, but they must have persuaded him I guess.

How will the locals cope with a big influx of Japanese and American golf tourists?                                 

I think Aberdeen will be fine. It's already got quite a diverse cultural population and is quite international - there's an American school there already.

Where the resort will be is much quieter, it's quite a small place really. But the project will bring tourists and jobs and maybe more entertainment for the young people and so really can only be a positive thing.

As for Donald Trump, what do you know about the man himself?

Not a lot, if I'm honest.  I know he's a shrewd businessman and very good at what he does.

What are his odds of finding a nice Scottish gal to become the new Ivana?

Well of course all Scottish girls are wonderful.  So I don't think he'll have a problem there if he so wishes.

Do you think you would you make a good apprentice?

 Oh definitely! I think I'd be perfect, though I like my current job.

One last question - what do you think Donald would look like in a kilt?

No! Oh god that's really hard! I'd like to say all men are attractive in kilts, but... well I'll just say he'd look Scottish!

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