London, Nov.30: American billionaire Donald Trump's controversial plans to build a one billion pound golf resort along a stretch of unspoilt Scottish coastline has been cancelled.

Councillors in Aberdeenshire have rejected proposals for two links courses, a five-star hotel, a golf academy, nearly 1,000 holiday homes and 500 private houses in one of the biggest single property developments seen in Scotland.

Donald Trump wanted to build the course in Scotland because his mum was from the Western Isles, reports The Telegraph.
 
Following the decision, the flamboyant American property tycoon threatened to pull out of Scotland and take the scheme, which would be worth more that 100 million pounds a year, elsewhere in Europe.

The controversial project was given outline planning approval last week, but then went to Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure committee which rejected the plans.

Major figures in the oil industry, millionaire hoteliers and business leaders backed the tycoon and regarded the project as a key element in the future prosperity of the north-east of Scotland after oil runs out.

The tycoon's spokesman George Sorial said they were considering an appeal, but could also decide to invest elsewhere in Europe, with Ireland thought to be a likely second choice.

He added: "It is our position that the council has failed to adequately represent the voice and opinion of the people of Aberdeen and the shire who are ultimately the losers here.

The scheme was opposed by conservation groups, which warned that the Trump International Golf Links would damage the dunes and wildlife on the 1,400-acre site near Balmedie.

The decision also delighted Michael Forbes, 55, a local resident who refused to sell Trump his 23 acres of land on the edge of the scheme.

Trump said on his last visit to Aberdeen that the small farm was an eyesore, and Forbes responded by telling him to "stick his money".

He was not at the meeting but his wife Sheila said they were "surprised but happy". (ANI)