Latest news with #Milne
Metro
4 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Donald Trump's Scotland visit branded 'cynical circus' by his nemesis in land ba
A Scotsman who helped to see off Donald Trump in a long-running land battle has branded the US president's trip to the country a 'PR stunt' aimed at promoting his golf courses. David Milne and others in Aberdeenshire were embroiled in the David v Goliath struggle with Trump over access and land rights as one of the venues was built on the Menie Estate. The president is due to arrive in Scotland tonight for a five-day visit amid tight security, with protests expected. He plans to visit a new golf course close to Milne's home and visit his other green, 200 miles south at Turnberry on the Ayrshire Coast. The visit is 'an annoyance with no real value' in Mr Milne's view. 'I would describe his trip as a rather cynical circus, a PR stunt more than anything else,' he said. 'It's his personal situation, all he's ever interested in is himself, and how things affect him. 'He's opening a second golf course alongside one that's never busy. 'They have got a competition starting next week, so it's all going to get free publicity, free advertising because the president is here, he invites along Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney and the British government has to pay for the security for his visit. 'It's a cynical PR stunt from day one.' Mr Milne, 61, and his fellow campaigners fought the tycoon after he tried to purchase their homes to develop his 1,400-acre Trump International Golf Links, Scotland resort in the village of Balmedie. They formed a 'popular movement' called 'Tripping up Trump' to protect people's homes and the environment from the work. At one point, the Scotsman flew the Mexican flag in reference to Trump's intention to build a wall between the country and the US. In 2021, the billionaire was reported to have described the Milnes' home of more than three decades in a former coastguard station as a 'visual slum.' He also spoke of issuing compulsory purchase orders to buy land within or on the resort's boundaries. The saga died down in 2009 after the locals refused to sell. Mr Milne told Metro: 'Initially the Trump organisation was a complete and utter pain when they planted trees around us, built earth banks around us, built fences in the wrong place and billed me for it and tried to compulsorily purchase my property. 'It doesn't endear you to people. 'The last few years I think they've realised they were onto a loser and they've left us alone, which is obviously a better situation for us.' The health and safety consultant believes Trump should focus his attentions on some of the world's troublespots where the US has far more pressing concerns. 'He is currently supposed to be the US President,' he said. 'He is doing nothing to control the Israelis in Gaza, he's doing nothing to support the Ukrainians, and he's made no mention of the Israeli attacks on Syria or on other states, and their interfering with Iran. There are a lot of things he could be doing other than playing around with golf.' The Trump opponent also highlighted the disruption in preparation for Air Force One landing at Prestwick Airport in western Scotland this evening for the president's private visit to the golf courses. 'It's going to be a pain in the proverbials,' he said. 'It's causing everyone a lot of hassle. The main road's going to be closed, the barricades were up already this morning. 'It's just a nuisance, an annoyance without any real value. 'Some of our neighbours have gone away to avoid it all.' Trump's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles. The new golf course, due to open on August 13, is named after Mary Anne, who emigrated to the US in 1930. 'We know where his priorities lie and they're not with Scotland,' Mr Milne said of the connection. 'We're just a convenient little symbol that he can tack on to the end of his marketing stuff.' The Mexican flag is gone for good but blue and white will be on display outside the Milnes' home this weekend. 'The only flag I'll be flying this weekend is the Saltire,' Mr Milne said. 'That is to show this is still Scotland and the Scottish people, generally speaking, don't like Trump.' The president's representatives have said in the past that the golf estate development was hampered by 'red tape', despite potentially generating thousands of jobs for the local economy. In a statement to the BBC, the Trump Organization has said that it has invested 'hundreds of millions of pounds into the Scottish economy' and that both the Menie and Turnberry courses are 'driving thousands of international visitors into the country each year'. More Trending The company added: 'There are very few, if any, investors in the sport that have done more for Scottish golf in the past decade than Trump. 'In spite of the many global economic challenges, where other investors walked away, and despite spiteful opposition, the Trump Organization has remained steadfast in its commitment and delivered on its promise to build one of the greatest modern links golf courses of all time in Aberdeen.' Metro has approached the Trump Organization for further comment. Have you got a story you wish to share? Contact MORE: Why 'paranoid' Donald Trump 'will be even more dangerous' in presidency 2.0 MORE: Scottish golf club owner's neighbour lowers Mexican flag after four-year protest MORE: Scathing verdict on Trump from corner of Scotland he couldn't conquer
CBS News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
What some of Trump's Scotland golf course neighbors have to say ahead of his visit
Balmedie, Scotland — President Trump is due to arrive in Scotland Friday for a four-day private trip — his first to the U.K since he was re-elected. The White House says he'll meet near the end of his visit with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade, but he'll also be opening a brand-new course at the Trump International Golf Links. Set on Scotland's rugged northeast coast, it's a stunningly beautiful location, and it's easy to see why President Trump was keen to purchase the site more than a decade ago and develop it into a world-class golf club. But as CBS News learned from speaking with locals, many struggle to separate the American President's politics from his putting green. David Milne bought his old Coast Guard look-out on the Aberdeenshire coast over 20 years ago, and he still lives there today. But since 2012, it's been right in the middle of Trump territory, surrounded by hundreds of acres of shifting sand dunes that have been meticulously sculpted into 36 holes that anyone can play a round on — for about $500. Milne isn't happy about his new neighbor. "It's always second-best to what was there originally," he told CBS News. "When I came in here, this landscape was untouched… now it's just a golf course ." Mr. Trump first purchased the land in 2006, and during development he offered to buy some of the neighbors' places, too, but Milne refused to sell. In 2011, Mr. Trump said he didn't like the look of Milne's property anyway. "Who cares," the future president told the Golf Channel, pointing to Milne's home. "We're trying to build the greatest course in the world. The house is ugly." Asked what the land means to himself and his family, Milne said it was much more than just a patch of picturesque coastline. "Land is what Scotland is. Not just financially, it's in the soul of the Scottish people as well. It is where we come from, and where we go back to," he said. The visit to Scotland is a homecoming for Mr. Trump, too. His mother, born Mary Anne MacLeod in 1912, grew up on a the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis. He named one of his courses in Aberdeenshire after her. Mr. Trump has been met with protests on previous visits, and vandalism at his golf courses has taken a political tone in recent months. Tommy Campbell, a veteran labor union activist in Scotland, told CBS News he was planning to lead another protest during the U.S. leader's visit this weekend, with a clear message for Mr. Trump: "You are not welcome here," he said. "The policies that he represents are completely at odds with what we value here." A poll conducted in February found around 70% of Scots have an unfavorable opinion of President Trump. In the village near his golf links, CBS News spoke with the members of a walking club, who hold a grudge. "The way he treated the neighbors and property owners, I think that influenced us all badly," said one woman. But the course employs more than 80 people, and the White House says it has had a positive economic impact in the area. One local man – a golfer – told CBS News the business Mr. Trump has done, "from a golf perspective, is fantastic." "Not saying the protests are not right," he added. "Some of the stuff, I'd agree with the protesters, but I think there's a time and a place for it, and it's not on the golf course." Opinions about President Trump are a bit like the weather in Aberdeenshire. But fair or foul — in true Scottish fashion — they're unlikely to stop a good round of golf.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Donald Trump's neighbour demands cops keep him safe from MAGA fans
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DONALD Trump's outspoken Scots neighbour is demanding cops keep him safe from the US president and his die-hard fans when he jets in. David Milne, 61, lives right next door to the tycoon's golf course in Aberdeenshire, and has publicly clashed with him over the years. 1 Trump at the golf course in 2016 Credit: AFP And he fears his past might make him a target for MAGA supporters gone wild during the US President's visit. Mr Milne said: 'People who are protesting against Trump will definitely be taken care of. "But what about me and my home? "I wouldn't be surprised now that he's President if there were some MAGA supporters who would take this opportunity to have a go.' He added: 'He attracts all kinds of people. "There are those who hate what he stands for. "But there are a lot who are drawn to him and agree with everything he says. 'I really want to know what Police Scotland will be doing for my safety. But I'm guessing it will be something they've not thought about.' Mr Milne refused to sell up to Mr Trump when the mogul's resort in Menie was first announced. The now-President was then caught on camera branding David's property 'ugly.' Donald Trump calls for Obama to be arrested with AI vid The feud ramped up in 2011 when crews from the golf course built a fence around the house and billed David for it. He refused to pay. Other locals aside from Mr Milne also fear their daily lives could be impacted by security plans at the weekend. Asst Chief Con Emma Bond said: 'A policing plan will be in place to maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest, and minimise disruption.'
Glasgow Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Balmanno House sale funds £1m boost for local charities
Balmanno House was a registered charity that provided residential care in the city's west end for more than 200 years. The home went into administration in April 2023, and efforts were made to ensure a smooth relocation of residents to other care facilities. Blair Milne (Image: Supplied) After receiving a considerable amount of interest, the property was sold to RSD Property Holdings Limited for residential development. The undisclosed sale amount ensured all creditors at the time of administration were paid in full, including statutory interest, redundancy pay, and other entitlements for former staff. Read more: Hamilton firm raises £7k at golf day for Scottish charities The insolvency process transitioned to a liquidation to wrap up the company's affairs and distribute funds to creditors. Blair Milne and James Fennessey, joint liquidators and partners with accountancy firm Azets, are overseeing the distribution of the surplus funds to various charities, in line with the wishes of the Balmanno House trustees. Mr Milne, head of restructuring and insolvency in Scotland at Azets, said: "It gives me great pleasure to see such a substantial sum being made available for distribution to charity. "It is very rare for all creditors to receive full repayment together with interest from any insolvency process, let alone such a substantial sum being made available to charities." Allan Carrick, speaking on behalf of the board of trustees, said: "The former trustees of Balmanno House are delighted with the outcome of the administration and subsequent liquidation and are very pleased that so many deserving charities of their choice will benefit from the distribution of the surplus funds." Mr Milne thanked the trustees for their role in the process. He said: "I would like to express my thanks to the board of trustees for their actions and their support prior to the administration appointment and throughout the insolvency process. "The actions of the trustees, particularly seeking early advice on cash flow management, helped to ensure an orderly winding down of the care home operation, an optimal outcome from sale of the company's property asset, and ultimately a substantial sum being distributed to charity at the end of the process." He acknowledged the challenges faced by the care sector in recent years, saying that many care homes had no choice but to enter insolvency due to rising costs, insufficient funding, staff shortages, and unstable occupancy levels. He said: "As can be seen from the outcome achieved with Balmanno House, taking early advice on restructuring and insolvency ensures that all options remain available, either to restructure and preserve the business or to maximise the value available to stakeholders from a sale of the company's assets." The charities benefiting from the funds include Glasgow East End Community Carers, able2sail, St Francis Care Home, CrossReach, Association for the Relief of Infirmity in the West of Scotland, Ayrshire Hospice, Tenovus Scotland Strathclyde, Glasgow Children's Hospital, and The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.
NZ Herald
18-07-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Fiordland Bird Sanctuary future under discussion
Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. The sanctuary is home to 16 birds. Photo / Supplied The public has under three weeks to determine what the future of the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary could look like, and while the Department of Conservation (DoC) says the locally loved Takahē will stay, it can't confirm other birds will. Following a 2024 review, the Department of Conservation decided it would no longer manage the sanctuary. Doc Acting operations manager Elicia Milne said that there were no plans to rehome takahē pairs from the sanctuary. But Milne said it had not decided on a management plan for the other species. 'DoC is working through next steps, and we will communicate any changes once a decision has been finalised.'
