Police have been called to Donald Trump’s north-east estate 30 times since the businessman was given planning permission for his £750million golf development.
A vandalism campaign led by a small band of objectors has been blamed for the high number of Grampian Police visits to the site since November 2008 – the date when the Scottish Government approved the billionaire’s plans to build the world’s greatest golf course.
The call-outs include an incident in April when £50,000 worth of damage was done to the Menie Estate. Vehicles were broken into before wiring was cut and sand poured into their engines.
The culprits also ripped out about 10,000sq ft of marram grass, and damaged almost 500ft of fencing. About £5,000 worth of diesel supplies kept at the site was also destroyed after being contaminated with sugar.
Last night Sarah Malone, executive vice-president of Trump International – Scotland, said the situation was frustrating. She said: “Many hours have been spent on a handful of objectors looking to cause trouble and wasting everyone’s time.”
Grampian Police would not confirm the reasons for any of the call-outs and said: “We respond to all incidents appropriately as and when required.”
The figures, obtained by the Press and Journal through the Freedom of Information Act, show that Mr Trump’s team had to call in officers 21 times.
Miss Malone has previously said that acts of vandalism will not deter the American property developer from creating his world-class resort.
Work is now well under way on the championship course at Menie, which Mr Trump hopes will host golf’s Open Championship.
His masterplan to build two golf courses, a £250million hotel, 950 holiday homes and 500 houses has been backed by Aberdeenshire Council. He has also been given permission to add four neighbouring properties to the plan – but the owners have so far refused to sell.
His attempts to acquire the homes have fuelled opponents – and campaigners have said they are planning a fresh wave of protests to disrupt his visit next month.