"Brigadoonish...Kitsch"

Filed in archive Golf Courses on December 4, 2007

Courtesy: PA
Here's one more post on Donald Trump's star-crossed project to build what he calls "the greatest links golf courses in Scotland as part of a golf development that will become the finest in Europe if not the world".

It's worth discussing this issue and raising some dust because 2 billion dollar golf projects, no matter whether they eventually become "the finest in Europe if not the world" or not are bound to have a downside. The question boils down to when you want to discover that downside - for example, after the resort is built?

Back in September, an organization called Architecture and Design Scotland chimed in on Trump's plans. ADS is charged with reviewing nationally important projects and offering expert guidance in Scotland.

ADS studied Trump's architectural drawings and reported "they would not only have a negative impact on an area of high landscape value but would also devalue the Scottish architectural tradition that they attempt to emulate. We consider that an outline planning application should not be approved on the basis of the information submitted."

One architect who saw the drawings labelled them "Brigadoonish Victorian kitsch", a rather damning reference, indeed.

So, the rejection, at least for the time being, of Trump's project didn't rest simply with the Aberdeenshire planning committee whose chairman, Martin Ford, cast the deciding vote to reject; there are outside parties who were less than impressed, as well.

The final word on this shall go to John Huggan, golf writer for the Scotsman newspaper.

On Sunday, Huggan wrote a scathing critique of Trump's efforts. It makes for a good read as do the comments from various readers around the world that follow the article.

Give them a look as well. And if you are a Scottish reader of this golf blog, throw your two cents worth into the "Comment" box at the end of the post.

Let's hear what you have to say!