Donald Trump flew into Scotland yesterday and put his plans to build a luxury hotel complex back on the table.
The US billionaire had claimed he would not spend one penny on his £750 million championship golf links project in Aberdeenshire while plans for a huge offshore wind farm near his development forged ahead.
But the property tycoon now says he is ready to create "one of the best hotels in Europe".
The businessman also warned he was planning a "massive lawsuit" in relation to the £200m European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), which he claims will ruin the view for golfers at his course.
Mr Trump, who flew in by private jet to Aberdeen Airport, outlined his vision for a luxury 450-room hotel, spa and hundreds of holiday homes when he bought up land on the Menie Estate several years ago.
His project looked doomed when Marine Scotland announced plans for 11 turbines in the sea off the coast from the links course, which had a lavish opening ceremony in July.
Mr Trump entered a war of words with First Minister Alex Salmond over the SNP's energy vision and vowed to fight wind farms across the country.
But it seems he has now had a change of heart over downing tools on his development.
He said: "I'm ready to build a hotel. It will be the best hotel in Scotland and one of the best hotels in Europe. Everybody wants to be near our course."
Revised plans to increase the size of turbines on the controversial offshore wind farm by 11ft to a maximum height of 651ft have been discussed by councillors.
No concerns about the amendments were raised at Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee meeting.
Meanwhile, Scottish Natural Heritage has withdrawn its objection on the understanding developers meet conditions for environmental protection. It follows the Ministry of Defence, National Air Traffic Services and RSPB Scotland in doing so.
Mr Trump claimed the EOWDC – designed by Vattenfall, Technip and the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group – could consist of mismatched, unsightly turbines, each created by a different manufacturer.
He said: "This will end up looking like a poor man's Disneyland. We want to do something to help Scotland. We will fight it. We have good lawyers. There is a really terrible thing going on and it's all because Alex Salmond has a death wish for Scotland."
Mr Trump also hit out at plans for a wind farm 3.5 miles off the coast from the championship Turnberry course in Ayrshire.
As reported in The Herald, a Marine Scotland study identifying the spot as a potential site for huge turbines was this week criticised by Tory Euro MP Struan Stevenson. It is feared the views across the Firth of Clyde from the golf course could be blighted.
Mr Trump said: "I think it is very destructive to Turnberry. I think it will have a huge negative impact. It will suffer tremendously in terms of tourism."
The golf fan flew in to Aberdeen with his luxury golf clubs in tow, saying he was ready to enjoy some rounds on the Trump International course.
He described the recent European Ryder Cup team winners as amazing and lavished praise on "fantastic" Aberdonian Paul Lawrie.
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