Wildlife Trust attacks Trump plan

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) said acres of delicate sand dunes would be "effectively destroyed" by the property tycoon's proposed championship course.

SWT also warns it could lead to the demise of an entire area of habitat.

Mr Trump hopes to create one of the world's major golf destinations on the east coast near Aberdeen. His company has submitted plans, including an environmental survey, to Aberdeenshire Council.

Scottish Natural Heritage and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have already objected to the proposal on environmental grounds.

This has now been echoed by SWT, which lodged its concerns with the local authority this week.

Paul Gallagher, SWT's national planning co-ordinator, said: "Mr Trump's plans are a major concern for us. This resort would have an adverse impact on the dune system as the golf course would be built right on top of it.

"The Trump Organisation intends to stabilise the dunes, but when you do this you are effectively freezing it in time.

"The dunes require to be constantly moving because it helps plant species and habitats to grow."

SWT is requesting that the council withdraw the full planning application until the Trump Organisation amends the survey which the body says is "incomplete" and provides more information.

Lora McCluskey, a spokeswoman for the Trump Organisation said it was: "reviewing all comments regarding its planning application".

She added: "We will issue a comprehensive response which addresses the environmental concerns in due course."