An American golfing legend has dismissed out of hand Donald Trump's claims that a planned wind farm would put people off coming to his new course in Aberdeenshire.

Jack Nicklaus, who has won 18 career major championships, said it was "crazy" to suggest that wind turbines would put anyone off golfing trips to Scotland.

He said the benefits outweighed any concerns and said wind turbines could regularly be seen from golf courses in the United States.

Billionaire Trump jetted in to Edinburgh in April to warn the Scottish Government that wind turbines would "destroy" the Scottish tourism industry.


He has even threatened legal action over the plans for 11 turbines off the coast of the Menie estate, where planning permission is being sought for the tycoon's £1bn golf course.

But Nicklaus said he was surprised at the criticism.

The iconic sportsman was in Edinburgh yesterday and said he had "a great relationship" with Scotland.

Nicklaus said: "People will be coming to play golf. I can't see wind turbines putting people off from playing golf. That suggestion is just crazy. I'm sure the course designer, Martin Hawtree, will do a really nice job. What Trump will do is another question."

Mr Trump's right-hand man, George Sorial, told the Scotsman newspaper: "While we respect the opinions of Mr Nicklaus, we strongly disagree with him on this issue. We suggest he visit Royal Aberdeen to experience the tremendous damage caused by one turbine located near the 14th fairway. The club's members, the North-east of Scotland and the global golf community are horrified."

(NE/GK)