03/06/2008 00:12:00
The public hearing of Donald Trump's planned Aberdeenshire golf resort will be attended by the US tycoon himself.
According to the BBC, the billionaire will fly to Scotland next week and visit the former home of his late mother in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis before appearing to give evidence at the inquiry in Aberdeen on Tuesday.
Scottish ministers in Edinburgh ordered a public inquiry after Aberdeenshire Council rejected Trump's plans to build a £1 billion development on Meine Estate in the north of Scotland.
Trump's intentions to build the development were first unveiled in November 2006 but the application has suffered several setbacks. Many leading business figures support the scheme but it has been criticised by various environmental groups and local campaigners. Trump will speak at a media conference in Stornoway on Monday morning before travelling to Aberdeen. He said:
"I respect the need for an inquiry and am totally committed to appearing as I really want to see this development come to fruition.
"I want the public to hear my plans and share my enthusiasm for them.
"I am confident I will be able to demonstrate my passion for this site on which we want to create a world class development that works in harmony with the natural environment."
The Trump Organisation recently revealed amendments to its plans for the resort in the hope it will make them more palatable to campaigners. A rival plan for a £115 million golf course at Blairs Seminary was approved by Aberdeenshire council in April.