By Stuart Wilson | Scotland Now | Daily Record | 1 May 2015 | www.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk
American tycoon Donald Trump has won his battle against a beauty spot wind farm.
The new Marquess of Ailsa, Lord David Kennedy, has caved in to opposition to the eight giant turbines in sight of Culzean Castle and the Ailsa championship golf course in Ayrshire.
Kennedy stood to rake in a fortune over the life of the Knoweside Hill farm.
Turnberry chief Trump said: “We are thrilled to hear Lord David is withdrawing the application for the proposed wind turbine facility at Knoweside Hill.
“It was the source of major controversy and opposition and would have been a scar on Scotland and the beautiful landscape.
“This is incredibly positive for Trump Turnberry, Culzean Castle and tourism locally.”
Earlier this week, Trump revealed his bold vision for Turnberry around the creation of five stunning new holes.
Dramatic plans, unveiled on Tuesday, include proposals to overhaul the historic Ailsa layout, first opened in 1901.
The billionaire and his team of course architects have created a new-look venue set to be the envy of the world.
Changes will involve the Open layout being lengthened by 150 yards, creating a “much-enhanced golfing experience”.
Trump said: “While considering improvements we have paid close attention to the prospect of staging future Open Championships.
“In close consultation with the R&A, we have created an intricate plan which covers every inch of this magnificent course and will make Trump Turnberry a masterpiece in golf course design providing the most challenging and spectacular golf experiences anywhere in the world.”
The course will retain its par 70 status for The Open but will increase to 71 for general play with the fifth hole becoming a par five.
Other changes include a new par three ninth hole playing across the bay to a new green at Turnberry Point.
Designers are hailing the new-look hole as “one of the most exhilarating par threes in world golf”.