Donald Trump jets in to save Scottish coast from proposed ‘industrial monstrosities’

Mr Trump touched down at Aberdeen Airport in a private jet at around 3pm yesterday, before making his way through the public airport arrivals and security sections.

The US tycoon has said he would not have built his golf course, on the Menie estate in north-east Scotland, if he had known about plans to install turbines off the coast there.

And last night he denied reports that he had known about the renewable energy plans before starting work on his development.

His arrival follows claims over alleged promises Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and his predecessor, Labour’s Jack McConnell, made that there would be no wind farms constructed near his resort.

George Sorial, vice-president of the Trump Organisation, was yesterday reported as saying: “Who actually believes that Mr Salmond did not give us assurances? We were told there were military radar installations in Peterhead and there is no way there is ever going to be turbines there because they would cause interference.

“We were told shipping lanes coming in and out of Aberdeen are very busy so we have nothing to worry about. We were told any installations would be ten miles out.

“It’s convenient to blame a former first minister who is a Labour guy. Put all the blame on Jack McConnell. But I think people are smarter than that.”

Mr Salmond’s spokesman said: “Absolutely no assurances have been given at any time by this administration to Mr Trump or his organisation, and any claims to the contrary are wrong.”

Last night Mr Trump said: “They knew right from the beginning that if there was going to be so-called wind power, which is by the way a very poor form of energy, that we would not have done the job.

“We have proven that, and we will be able to prove that very easily. Obviously we haven’t supported it, and if they have said that then they are lying.”

Mr Trump added: “We have to save Scotland. You cannot allow these industrial monstrosities.”

MARK MCLAUGHLIN