75,727 sign anti-Trump course petition

75,727 people have signed a petition demanding that Aberdeenshire Council reject plans to expand the Trump International Golf Links course. But are they just bandwagon jumping?

The Trump Organization wants to build a second 18–hole course at the Trump International Golf Links Scotland resort north of Aberdeen, which would really put the resort on the worldwide map as a destination.

But it looks like there is going to be stiff resistance, as both the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have raised formal objections to the plans.

There are also concerns over alleged breaches of rules governing sewage pollution, environmental protection and conserving groundwater.

The application goes before councillors on August 22^nd, but now a global campaign group has jumped on the bandwagon

‘SumOfUs’ describes itself as a “community of people from around the world committed to curbing the growing power of corporations.”

It is now demanding Aberdeenshire Council to “stand up to Trump and reject his plans”.

“Despite all the warnings from agencies, Trump wants to go ahead with his plans regardless, despite the risks to the local environment,” the petition states.

“Aberdeenshire’s dune systems are one of the last true unspoilt wildernesses in the UK - and when they’re gone, they’ll be gone for good.”

I am not really buying into this. If the development is carried out sensitively, and past mistakes are rectified, then the area could get a needed boost in golf tourism.

Of course The Trumper is a divisive figure to say the very least, but he has created a world–class links course, which could the Scottish Open if the politicians don’t get in the way of.

Online petitions have a role to play, but probably do no reflect the wishes of the local people in any way, shape or form.

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