The Scottish Government's decision to grant Donald Trump planning permission for two golf courses and 500 luxury houses, to be constructed on protected sand dunes marks a sad day for the idea that Scotland is an independent, mature nation.
It is shameful that the government has been bullied by Mr Trump into ignoring the decision of the Aberdeen local authority and the opinions of various Scottish environmental bodies such as SNH and RSPB. Every owner of an SSSI who wants to develop it
will now be rubbing their hands with glee.
If all it takes is an enormously rich American shaking his fist at the Scottish Government to make them roll over like a scolded dog and agree to everything he wants, it's a poor comment on its integrity, Scottish pride and respect for our national environmental protection bodies.
CLAIRE FLETCHER
Great King Street
Edinburgh Approval of Donald Trump's enormous development (with a golf course or two attached) raises a wider issue about the protection of Scotland's outstanding undeveloped coast. Some may say Scotland still has lots of wild and untouched coastline. True, but this misses the point that the growing number of golf-leisure-housing developments affects the coast closest to where most people live and, unlike traditional courses, they urbanise their setting. It is time for stronger protection of the coastline close to our urban areas, as it holds greatly valued and inspiring places for outdoor recreation.
JOHN MACKAY
Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society (ScotWays)
Annandale Street, EdinburghI was, at the last election, a first-time SNP voter. I took that step because I believed the SNP was worth taking a risk on – there was a real possibility of a party which in power would look to the long-term interests of Scotland and protect and promote the most precious aspects of the country.
I will not be voting SNP again. The government's decision on the Trump application is one which looks only to the short-term. A truly courageous government, showing real leadership, would have taken the difficult decision in these difficult times and literally drawn a line in the sand. It would have used the strong popular standing that it has at this time to lead from the front in saying Scotland's natural environment, second to nowhere, is the basis for all that we do, and needs vigorous protection and promotion if we are to build a country truly fit for the future.
TOM BOYD
Wester Brae
Dingwall, Ross-shireToday, I am not proud to be a Scot. I am dumbfounded that the Scottish Government has sanctioned the destruction of an irreplaceable sand dune habitat and its wildlife for the sake of a golf course. At a time of global recession, I fail to see the socio-economic need for a golf course accessible only to the super rich. This sends out the stark message that Scotland is for sale, with its habitats up for destruction, to the highest bidder. Shame on the Scottish Government for permitting this development.
SELINA L HILL
Skelmersdale
LancashireHow can we be so arrogant to tell Brazil to protect the rainforest or Indonesia the orangutans if we can't protect our own environment? They are all under "economic pressures" though for more vital reasons than to build luxury houses (and a golf course).
JOHN LEONARD
Bonaly Gardens
Edinburgh