Donald Trump's relationship with Scots and Scotland has not always been easy and, indeed, in recent months it has seemed as if the flamboyant and occasionally frustrating American billionaire might be turning his back on the country of his mother's birth and the home of golf.
But no. Yesterday it was confirmed that Mr Trump is to buy the Turnberry golf resort from the Dubai-based Leisurecorp and will be investing millions of pounds in upgrading the resort, including its five-star hotel. In an example of the colourful and ambitious language he favours, the new owner said the refurbished hotel would be the finest and most luxurious in all of Europe.
Whether or not the hotel ever reaches that pinnacle, Mr Trump's investment sounds like good news for Turnberry and fans of golf, even though the history of Mr Trump's other Scottish golf course is mixed to say the least.
In fact, the course at Balmedie in Aberdeenshire has divided the community between those who believed it would bring great economic benefits and those who were concerned about the effect on the area's beautiful natural dunes.
Mr Trump himself has also not helped his cause with his bellicose opposition to an offshore windfarm which he said would spoil the views from Balmedie. It was losing the battle against the wind farm that led to him withdrawing a planning application to build a second course in Aberdeenshire and suggesting he had no further plans to invest in Scotland.
Now it looks like the billionaire has had a change of heart, which can only be good for Turnberry. Last year, a new outdoor activity centre was launched at the resort in an attempt to broaden its appeal but what it has really needed for some time is consistent investment to upgrade its accommodation and facilities. Mr Trump has promised to deliver and it is a promising sign that he already owns some very fine courses around the world.
Turnberry is also a very different prospect to Balmedie and the tycoon has already demonstrated a sensitivity to local concerns that he has not always shown in his dealings with the people of Aberdeen. The course at Turnberry, he said, would not be touched or altered without the approval of the Royal and Ancient.
No doubt, part of the appeal for a golf fan like Mr Trump is the fact that the Open could come to Turnberry in the next few years; the benefit for Turnberry is that it will now receive the investment it needs.
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