Trump denies £1bn Scottish golf course under threat

Tycoon Donald Trump has denied claims that his £1bn plans for a new golf course development in Scotland are under threat.

The global property downturn is hitting the Trump Organisation hard after work was delayed on a new skyscraper in Dubai and reports claimed Trump Entertainment resorts missed a $53m interest payment relating to casinos in Atlantic City.

But the company is adamant its golf complex at Menie in Aberdeenshire will go-ahead following a lengthy planning wrangle.

George Sorial, general manager of the Menie project told The Scotsman: "There has been a heightened sense of some problems within the Trump Organisation which would prevent us from doing the job in Scotland.

"It's simply not true at all. Obviously, like any developer now, we are facing challenging times, but that is not unique to the Trump Organisation.

"At the same time, there are significant opportunities in the market and we have taken advantage of that by making key acquisitions.

"The news for Scotland is good. This week we will announce our entire development team."