Donald Trump claims Scottish Open coming to Menie

Donald Trump has predicted the Scottish Open is coming to his Aberdeenshire golf course, as work continues amid a wind farm legal challenge.

Speaking while opening a new clubhouse at Menie, Mr Trump said a hotel would be completed in time to host the tournament in 2017.

He claimed Scottish Open organisers wanted to bring the competition to Menie permanently.

The US billionaire also said a second course will be built at the site.

Mr Trump lost a fresh legal challenge over an offshore wind farm last week, which he has said he will appeal against. He believes the development would compromise the view from the Menie course.

Speaking as he opened a new clubhouse at Menie on Wednesday, he said: "The Scottish Open is coming. The Scottish Open wants to be here forever, they think this is the best course they've ever seen."

Peter Adams, championship director of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, said: "Trump International Golf Links is one of a number of clubs with which The European Tour has been in conversation.

"Confirmation of the selection of the venue for 2017 will be announced in due course."

Golfer Stephen Gallacher said the Menie course would be a great addition to the Scottish Open circuit should it get the go ahead from the European Tour.

Mr Trump has called for a judicial review into his claim that Scottish ministers acted illegally by approving the 11-turbine scheme in Aberdeen Bay.

He objected to the government decision in March 2013 to proceed with the £230m European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) scheme without holding a public inquiry.