Molly, 86, faces legal fees over challenge to Trump resort

Published on Wednesday 27 October 2010 18:21

A PENSIONER who abandoned a court challenge to the Donald Trump golf resort has been found liable to pay legal fees.

Molly Forbes, 86, said she faced being forced out of her home after Aberdeenshire Council granted permission for the multimillion-pound coastal development.

The resident attempted to secure a judicial review of the decision, but was refused legal aid. At a hearing at the Court of Session in Edinburgh yesterday, Lord Kinclaven ruled that Mrs Forbes should pay legal costs.

Aberdeenshire Council said a decision on whether to enforce the ruling had not been made.

A spokesman said: "The court has fixed a further hearing for January 11, at which Mrs Forbes will be allowed to seek to have these expenses modified if her legal aid position has been resolved.

"The court has wide discretion regarding expenses and may modify her liability to nil, or otherwise limit the amount recoverable.

"Any decision on action to be taken by the council to enforce the award against Mrs Forbes before that hearing would, therefore, be premature."

Property tycoon Mr Trump's 750 million luxury golf and housing development on the Menie estate is already under construction.

The controversial application was originally thrown out by a committee of Aberdeenshire councillors, but was called in by Scottish ministers, who approved the project.

Mr Trump suggested that Mrs Forbes was put up to the court action by her son and neighbour, Michael Forbes - a claim denied by the pensioner.

The developer said the family had been manipulated by a group of opponents with a "dead agenda".

In a statement, Mr Trump said: "It is regrettable that an elderly woman has been used to front this frivolous court action.

"There are consequences for filing a baseless claim, and her son and lawyers should pay the expenses."

However, Mrs Forbes said: "I decided to take legal action last year to defend my home from Mr Trump's attempts to force me out.

"It is wrong that I should have to leave my home for a golf course.

"I understand the Trump Organisation has suggested I was in some way put up to this action. I wish to make it clear that it was my decision alone to proceed with the court action."