- Michael Forbes (farmer)
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Michael Forbes (born circa 1952) is a farmer, part-time salmon fisherman and quarry worker from near Balmedie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland who became known after his refusal to sell his land to Donald Trump who is planning to build an extensive luxury golf course complex in the area.[1][2] Forbes's farm, which is said by Trump to be in a state of disrepair,[3] has the words "NO GOLF COURSE" painted on a shed.[4]
He attracted media attention in the United States for standing up to Trump. Forbes has insisted that he will "never sell" his land to Trump despite being offered a payment £450,000 in addition to a salary of £50,000 per year for an unspecified job.[5] The plans to build the golf complex were rejected in late November 2007 by Aberdeenshire Council but were later called in by the Scottish Government, who gave approval in November 2008.[6] He has been compared to the beachcomber character in the film Local Hero.[5]
The Trump organization is now closing in on Michael's home and have threatened to try to use a compulsory purchase order to forcibly remove him and his family from their land. Trump claimed that Forbes's property was a slum that would spoil the view from his new hotel. Forbes retorted that Trump can "shove his money up his arse."[7] The Tripping Up Trump Campaign[8] have banded together to challenge the Trump organization on this issue.
References
- ^ The Scotsman
- ^ Bloomberg.com
- ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/29/donald-trump-scotland-golf-course
- ^ Scenta.co.uk
- ^ a b NY Daily News
- ^ Trump's £1bn golf resort approved
- ^ Donald Trump: All-American Billionaire, BBC television 28 November 2010
- ^ http://www.trippinguptrump.com
Categories:- 1952 births
- Living people
- Scottish people stubs
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