from Sunday Herald, 27 September 2009
Campaigners trying to mobilise opinion against the luxury golf resort planned for Aberdeenshire by the US billionaire property developer, Donald Trump. have launched a newspaper advertising campaign.
Thousands of pounds donated by supporters have been used to fund large adverts in local and national newspapers. The adverts feature Michael Forbes, one of the local property owners who is blocking the development by refusing to leave his home.
“I’ve fished and farmed and lived here for over 40 years,” Forbes is quoted as saying. “If Donald Trump gets his way my family and our neighbours will face eviction. Please help us.”
On Thursday Aberdeenshire Council is due to debate a motion opposing the use of compulsory purchase powers to force families out of their homes. The adverts appeal for people to back the campaign against compulsory purchase.
The organisation behind the adverts, Tripping up Trump, says it already has 7,000 signatures on a petition asking Aberdeenshire Council to reject compulsory purchase.
However, the group has disassociated itself from an anti-Trump prank last week which saw famous statues in four Scottish cities temporarily wearing Donald Trump masks. A previously unknown organisation called the Menie Liberation Front claimed responsibility, saying the action was designed “to symbolise the way Trump thinks he can walk over Scotland.”
But the action was dismissed by Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Golf Links Scotland, as a gimmick. "This publicity stunt is perpetrated by a handful of individuals, and can only serve to tarnish our regional and national profile,” she said.
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