Opponents of Trump scheme cause £50,000

of damage at Menie Estate, Balmedie

FROM TODAY'S PRESS AND JOURNAL
By RYAN CRIGHTON
Donald Trump will step up security at his North-east estate after vandals caused £50,000 worth of damage.
Vechicles working at the Menie Estate, near Balmedie (12 miles north of Aberdeen) were broken into before wiring was cut and sand poured into their engines.
The cuplrits also ripped out almost 10,000 square feet of marram grass, and damaged almost 500ft of fencing.
Last night Sarah Malone, executive vice-president of Trump International - Scotland, said the organisation would review its security in the light of the incidents which took place over the weekend and on Monday.
She said: "Until now, the security has been adequate but obviously we are going to step it up now. The police spent a considerable amount of time at the site and they are investigating the matter."
About £5,000 worth of diesel supplies kept at the site was also destroyed after being contaminated with sugar.
Miss Maloned added: "It is a disgrace that there are people around us who are prepared to stoop to such callous acts of vandalism.
"Our aim is to enhance and develop the site, while others evidently seem intent upon destroying it. I am sure the people of Aberdeenshire will be disgusted by this.
Local councillor Rob Merson said: "There would appear to be little doubt that there has been a concerted attack on the plant and equipment which has amounted to deliberate sabotage.
"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.
"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 behavour."