DONALD Trump will do "whatever is necessary" to stop wind turbines being built close to his luxury golf course amid claims that historic links courses across Scotland are under threat from similar developments.

George Sorial, vice president and legal counsel to the Trump Organisation, made the remarks after meeting campaign group Communities Against Turbines Scotland (Cats), which the tycoon will bankroll in a bid to block an 11-turbine scheme in the North Sea, 2.7 miles from his development at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.

Mr Sorial said: "The links experience is something that is unique to Scotland. It was created here and for generations people have been coming here to enjoy it.

"We are creating a top of the line product here and we have a tourist destination overlooking what is essentially an industrial facility."

Vattenfall, which has proposed the off-shore wind power testing centre, earlier said the development is essential to the growth of the renewables sector with "no reason" it could not co-exist with the golf course.

Mr Sorial said the proposed turbines threatened the hotel arm of the £750 million development.

On reports Mr Trump has offered a £10m fighting fund to Cats, Mr Sorial said: "There is no reason to impose a monetary cap (on our support). We will do whatever we need to do to protect our investment."