Questions raised as vandals strike at Balmedie

An Ellon councillor says an unsavoury and anti-social element of groups opposed to Donald Trump's golf course and development could be responsible for inciting last month's criminal damage attack on the Menie estate.

SNP councillor Rob Merson said he's not surprised over the vandalism, estimated to cost thousands of pounds.

Plant machinery, fencing and marram grass were the focus of the attacks, which took place between April 23 and 26 at what is planned to become the 15th hole in the far north-east corner of the estate.

Grampian Police say no one has been arrested or charged, but reports indicated sand was poured into the engines of two diggers on site, while sugar was used to contaminate thousands of litres of diesel fuel.

The vandalism comes as the debate between pro- and anti-Trump campaigners remains as polarised as ever, including property owners who fear compulsory purchase.

Councillor Merson, who has supported the project, laid the blame at those whose opposition to the project has been strongest.
"Given the nature and content of many of the e-mails received by Aberdeenshire councillors from objectors to the project over the last couple of years, we have always been aware of an unsavoury and antisocial element within the ranks of the objectors' campaign," he said.

"I am sure that the majority of right-minded people - even those who may have opposed the development at the outset - would not wish to be associated with this type of behaviour.
"Of course, it might be questioned to what extent such behaviour has been incited by unfounded, irresponsible and inflammatory remarks on the part of a small group of people in pursuit of their own narrow political objectives."

Tripping up Trump, the campaign group which has opposed the project since it was first announced, have categorically denied that they are involved in any way, and stressed that the group only operates within the parameters of the law.

"We would like to clarify categorically that TUT have not been involved in, or aware of, this claimed incident. TUT's popularity has grown due its law abiding campaigning, and this is the way we will carry on protecting the residents under threat from Compulsory Purchase."

Full Story: The Ellon Times