Furious row at Trump exhibition

Published on Friday 12 March 2010 14:47

OPPONENTS of US businessman Donald Trump's scheme to build a £1bn golf course in Aberdeenshire have been told to "clear off" in a furious row at a public exhibition.

A group of objectors had gone to the Udny Arms Hotel in Newburgh to attend the exhibition by the Trump Organisation of the new golf course and estate at Menie, north of Aberdeen.

Local home owner David Milne was told to "clear off" by project director Neil Hobday amid angry scenes witnessed by reporters.

The outburst began as Mr Milne examined the maps and drawings of the Menie project and started voicing his concerns about the "destruction" of the mobile sand dune system where the main championship golf course is being built.

Mr Hobday, standing at the opposite end of the table, then intervened, saying: "David - this is not your show. This is here for the public to come and have look at what we're doing.

"Pick your own platform, pay for it somewhere else, invite the media and do it there. Just clear off! Clear off! If you don't stop you will have to leave."

Mr Milne replied: "I was invited here by yourselves. I am not telling these people how to do their jobs."

Hobday: "You were invited here with the rest of the public to have a look at this. Not to hold court and hijack the whole show."

Milne: "I am not hijacking the show."

Hobday: "This is an exhibition. This is a public exhibition. Not the David Milne show. Standing here listening to you - what's the business model?"

Milne: "It's a 20-year-old business model of conspicuous consumption that has failed in numerous other locations worldwide."

Hobday: "Oh for God's sake - for God's sake - grow up, just grow up David."

Mr Hobday then started to leave the room.

Mr Milne said: "Neil, good luck. You are going to need it."

The plans on show at the hotel include detailed environmental, landscaping, construction and infrastructure plans.

The proposals will be considered by Aberdeenshire Council later this year.