Michael Forbes had already turned down Donald Trump’s offer of up to £450,000 for his 23-acre property at Mill of Menie when Scottish ministers approved Trump’s proposed golf resort in November 2008. The small farm near Balmedie, north of Aberdeen, sat inside the much larger Menie Estate that Trump wanted to turn into a golf and residential development. Forbes and his wife, Sheila, refused to move, leaving their property surrounded by a project that Scottish ministers had now given permission to proceed. The episode had started as a property dispute, and by late 2008, it had become one of the most closely watched local conflicts surrounding the American developer’s Scottish plans. The Guardian reported on November 3, 2008, that the proposed £1bn coastal resort would cover about 2,000 acres and include two 18-hole championship courses, a hotel, timeshare apartments, homes, villas and other facilities. Forbes’ 23-acre holding remained inside the development area.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
