As the star of the US version of The Apprentice, Donald Trump is more used to doing the grilling than being grilled. But this week he will be the one being rigorously questioned over his business decisions for a controversial golf resort in Scotland.
The flamboyant billionaire will
be the first person to give evidence at the start of a three-week public inquiry into plans for a £1 billion ($2.5 billion) golf course on a site of special scientific interest near Aberdeen, Scotland.
More than 30 witnesses are expected to be called before the hearing chaired by James McCulloch, Scotland's most experienced planning inquiry reporter, into the application that has divided the country and fuelled allegations of sleaze against Aberdeenshire council, the Scottish Government and First Minister Alex Salmond.
Critics of the scheme - which includes plans for two 18-hole courses, a 450- room, five-star hotel, a golf clubhouse, a conference centre and spa, a golf academy, 950 holiday homes, 36 golf villas and accommodation for 400 staff - will get their first chance to question the billionaire face-to-face on Wednesday.
Several national conservation bodies have voiced opposition to the designated course being built on environmentally sensitive sand dunes that are home to thousands of birds, including shelducks.
Trump has been reported in the press saying that those who oppose his plans are either the enemy, or imbeciles.
- OBSERVER
