The political furor over Donald Trump's plans to build a £500m golf course on the north-east coast of Scotland is, in my modest opinion, unjustifiable. I can totally understand the Scottish conservation and pride. However, I can’t come to terms with refusing an offer from the multi-billionaire tycoon to inject some money into some forgotten areas of Aberdeenshire? Truth is, that the councilor who cast the deciding vote to reject the scheme, was sacked by his colleagues. Yes, councilors voted by 26 to 10 to remove Martin Ford from his role as chairman of the infrastructure services committee. ..Fair enough, Mr Ford, may I say!
That brings to mind the last dispute over backing the bid of Glasgow to become the location for the UK’s first Las Vegas-style super-casino. Of course, Glasgow lost that bid to Manchester, because not enough Scottish officials supported that bid, which would have resulted in the creation of up to 2,500 jobs and an increase in visitor numbers to the city…shame! Although I am not very keen on the super-casino themes either, as they would cause crime and antisocial behavior to rise, and vulnerable groups of society like the young and the elderly, could be lured into gambling as a result, I am still in favor of the golf resort, though! A golf resort in Scotland is a fantastic idea; it will serve the community by providing job opportunities to the whole of Scotland, who can say no to such an initiative?
Another project that may not see the light, and that is for a six-star hotel in the city center area. Plans have been revealed yesterday for the £125m high-rise hotel, which will replace some vacant shop units in the area. The hotel is the vision of London-based businessman Charles Price, of Progress Property Developments. The 26-storey, six-star Argyle International, with 158 rooms and rooftop swimming pool, will occupy the corner of Argyle Street and Robertson Street, directly across from the SAS Radisson Hotel. The hotel will feature a range of facilities - expected to make it one of the most luxurious and well-equipped in the country…interesting!
The problem with the above three projects, according to many, is that they target an elite small segment of the Scottish community. How many poor people around Glasgow can afford to have dinners at the Argyle hotel, or play Golf at Mr Trump’s resort, or even try a bit of luck at the super-intended to be-casino? …None! All of these projects are foreign investment opportunities alien to the actual urban setting. None of these projects address the real needs of the Scottish community as a whole, and Glasgow’s own social problems in particular.
The Scots are sending a message that they’re not interested in any foreign investments, in a “keep yer money tae yer selves” sort of way!
That brings to mind the last dispute over backing the bid of Glasgow to become the location for the UK’s first Las Vegas-style super-casino. Of course, Glasgow lost that bid to Manchester, because not enough Scottish officials supported that bid, which would have resulted in the creation of up to 2,500 jobs and an increase in visitor numbers to the city…shame! Although I am not very keen on the super-casino themes either, as they would cause crime and antisocial behavior to rise, and vulnerable groups of society like the young and the elderly, could be lured into gambling as a result, I am still in favor of the golf resort, though! A golf resort in Scotland is a fantastic idea; it will serve the community by providing job opportunities to the whole of Scotland, who can say no to such an initiative?
Another project that may not see the light, and that is for a six-star hotel in the city center area. Plans have been revealed yesterday for the £125m high-rise hotel, which will replace some vacant shop units in the area. The hotel is the vision of London-based businessman Charles Price, of Progress Property Developments. The 26-storey, six-star Argyle International, with 158 rooms and rooftop swimming pool, will occupy the corner of Argyle Street and Robertson Street, directly across from the SAS Radisson Hotel. The hotel will feature a range of facilities - expected to make it one of the most luxurious and well-equipped in the country…interesting!
The problem with the above three projects, according to many, is that they target an elite small segment of the Scottish community. How many poor people around Glasgow can afford to have dinners at the Argyle hotel, or play Golf at Mr Trump’s resort, or even try a bit of luck at the super-intended to be-casino? …None! All of these projects are foreign investment opportunities alien to the actual urban setting. None of these projects address the real needs of the Scottish community as a whole, and Glasgow’s own social problems in particular.
The Scots are sending a message that they’re not interested in any foreign investments, in a “keep yer money tae yer selves” sort of way!
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