Trumps plan Scottish resort expansion

LONDON — President Donald Trump’s family business unveiled plans Tuesday to invest $196 million in the second phase of development at its golf course in northeastern Scotland.

The Trump Organization said it is seeking approval from Aberdeenshire Council to build 500 homes, 50 hotel cottages, a sports center and equestrian facilities at the property north of Aberdeen. The resort already has an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse and boutique hotel.

“The timing is now right for us to release the next phase of investment and the significant economic benefits this brings,” Eric Trump, who leads the business with his brother Donald Jr., said in a statement.

Critics have accused the Trump Organization of failing to deliver on promises of investment and jobs that were made in 2008, when Scottish authorities granted general approval for a project that included two golf courses, a 450-room hotel and as many as 1,500 homes. Additional approvals are required when the company submits detailed plans for each phase of the development.

The Trump Organization says the proposed second phase will support nearly 2,000 jobs during construction and some 300 permanent jobs after it is completed.

Eric Trump said he expects to break ground on the second phase of the development early next year, pending approval of the project.

The Aberdeenshire golf course is one of two that the Trump Organization owns in Scotland, where Donald Trump’s mother was born.