Donald Trump has clubbed local authorities to submission in his bid to build "the world's greatest golf course" on the Scottish coast.

The local council in Aberdeenshire initially vetoed the $1.6 billion complex, which includes a 450-room hotel and 500 homes. Their reason? It was to be built in part on a habitat of rare birds, otters, and other indigenous critters.

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney and his cohorts overruled the locals, describing the project as a "tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland."

First Minister Alex Salmond agrees. "The economic and social benefits...outweigh any environmental impact," he says.

Trump's mother was born in Scotland, though it's a fair guess that Aberdeenshirians do not consider the developer an heir to the mantle of Braveheart.

• Titanic Reunion
• Jolie: Just A Punk With Tats

Sign in to post a comment here.