Donald Trump rallies for Scotland golf project

North East Scotland is becoming increasingly attractive to developers looking to invest in large scale resort projects with golf courses.

Donald Trump, although still battling with planning authorities for his £1 billion beachside resort north of Aberdeen, is still upbeat and has adopted an all or nothing attitude.

His initial plans for two championship golf courses, a five star hotel, 950 time share properties and 450 houses have been rejected but he told a public inquiry that he is confident he will get permission.

'This is the right property in the right location to realise my vision of building the greatest golf course in the world,' he said. 'I'm very confident. But if the application is rejected I will withdraw this development because it would not and could not fulfil my vision of doing something truly outstanding, truly great,' he warned.

There have been suggestions that a more modest set of plans might get approval. But others claim it is the narrow mindedness of a few local officials that are preventing the project going ahead.

But in terms of large rural development, Scotland is set to see much more. The Earl of Cawdor has just applied to turn part of his Highland estate into the 'Brighton of the North'.

The £70m redevelopment of Delnies, Nairn, on the north-east coast of Scotland includes 300 homes, an 18-hole championship golf course, an equestrian centre and Hilton hotel. An ecological centre and community woodland at the development is also envisaged.

The proposal states that it will help Nairn, a former Victorian spa resort, into the Brighton of the North, a name it used to hold. If consent is granted it is expected work will start on site in early 2010.

'Nairn is a place without comparison in the Moray Firth area, and through these proposals, the Cawdor Maintenance Trust aim to invigorate Nairn by providing for improved tourist, leisure and community facilities,' said Alan Farningham, lead consultant on the project.

Both projects signal a growing interest in these larger kind of developments in the Highlands of Scotland. 'Although Trump is having a hard time getting his plans approved it is a sign of the times. Scottish councils and the government have to realise that Scotland is not immune to large scale resort projects that can benefit many in terms of jobs, tourism and investment.

If Trump gets the go-ahead then more will come,' said David McIntyre of Edinburgh based consultants Melville and Jones.

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