US billionaire Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on the decision to build windfarms off the coast of his new Aberdeenshire golf course.

He said the new course and adjoining hotel would only fulfill its planned July opening if the wind farm development plan was rejected.

The £230m renewable-energy project is a joint venture by Vattenfall, Technip and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (Areg).

Many organisations, such as Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB Scotland, had initially opposed the windfarm plans, but have now dropped their opposition.

But Donald Trump is continuing in his criticism of the windfarm and those who are in favour of it.

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He said the name of the RSPB "should be changed to RSKB - Royal Society for the Killing of Birds, to reflect their pro wind turbine position."

Mr Trump claims the turbines would spoil the sea views for golfers on his new course at Menie.

He said in a statement: "The golf course I have built is already considered, perhaps, the best in the world.

"The hotel I am planning would likewise be far superior to any hotel in Scotland, England, Ireland and, hopefully, anywhere in Europe. Definitively, we will not build our hotel until this application is rejected."

A spokesman for the RSPB said: "Any individual is entitled to their opinion on the work of RSPB. Trump International is a very successful business organisation dedicated to maximising its financial returns.

"We assess each planning application on its own merits. During this time we set out our concerns fully and asked the developer to examine them in detail.

"This resulted in a considerable reduction in the number of turbines and a change in the layout."

(IT/GK)