Thought the site visit last week sounded interesting :
Both sides visit Trump's site
Objectors and supporters at tycoon's golf resort scene
By Emma Christie
Published: 02/07/2008
OBJECTORS and supporters walked side by side yesterday during a day-long site visit to Donald Trump's proposed £1billion golf resort.
Around 30 people, most dressed in sturdy boots and waterproof jackets, set off from Menie House for a detailed inspection of the protected sand-dune area which would host the back nine holes.
Scientists and environmentalists from both sides of the table were invited to give their input to the Scottish Government reporters throughout the day.
Chief reporter James McCulloch started proceedings by explaining the purpose of the two-day visit.
He said: "This is your chance to make sure we see what you want us to see."
But he added: "We are not here to hear evidence."
First, the group moved to the site of the proposed 450-bed hotel which would overlook the dunes and a practice area in front. The existing field is currently covered in knee-high grass, with thick coverings of buttercups and nettles. Close by was the tee for the par five 10th hole. The tee is located just outside the site of special scientific interest (SSSI) but the hole stretches deep in the protected area, culminating in a green encircled by towering, grassy dunes.
The group stopped to listen to the Trump Organisation's project director, Neil Hobday, who said the spectacular view towards the sea from the green would remain "unchanged" if the course was built.
Pausing to admire the dunes, Mr Trump's right-hand man George Sorial shared a light moment with Martin Ford, the councillor whose casting vote scuppered the US tycoon's plans.
Mr Sorial asked Mr Ford if he played golf – he does not – before saying he could be made an honorary member of the club, should it get the go-ahead.
"We could even name the first hole after you," joked Mr Sorial, a suggestion Mr Ford said would make him feel uncomfortable.
The 13th hole, a par three, crosses the vast swathe of mobile sand dune known as a 'sand sheet' or 'the dome'.
The vast majority of the sand sheet would be planted with marram grass in order to stabilise it. Golf course architect Martin Hawtree pointed to some existing grass growth on the dome, which he said had appeared naturally over the past year.
"This dome wants to be green," said Mr Sorial, in reference to the same site.
But Mr Ford disagreed, and said the beauty of the sand sheet reconfirmed why the decision of the infrastructure services committee was the right one.
He said: "This has simply reminded me that this is a magical wild place with a real sense of wilderness. That's something we don't want to lose."
From the 14th tee – Mr Trump's favourite hole – the group enjoyed panoramic views to the sea across the peaks and troughs of thickly-vegetated dunes.
"They're all great, but this one is just magical," said Mr Sorial as he picked his way down the steep slope of the dune. But this hole has attracted a lot of controversy during the inquiry. Architect Mr Hawtree explained that, because of the height change between the tee and the green and the steepness of the dunes in between, it would need to be "evened out" by a process known as cut and fill, where sand is cut from one area and moved to another.
Scottish Natural Heritage's Jim Hansom said "biblical" amounts of sand would have to be moved to flatten out the hole.
He said: "Smoothing out in golf terms is obliterating of the landscape. We're talking about biblical amounts of sand. They're just going to remodel it."
After three hours of strenuous walking the course in remarkably sunny conditions, the group left the proposed course site.
Mr Hawtree said of the site: "It's the way it all works together that makes it exceptional.
"I have seen nothing like that before."
The group then visited the areas proposed for 950 holiday homes.
They would be built in four blocks, with one sitting partly on the SSSI.
Finally, they looked at the two sites earmarked for 500 private homes, and the access roads to the resort.
The site visit continues today with an examination of the area proposed for the first nine holes.