Trump golf heraldry in the rough
February 16, 2008 - 0:0
American tycoon Donald Trump is being investigated over the use of a coat of arms to promote his planned £1bn Scottish golf resort.
An inquiry was launched by the official heraldic authority for Scotland in case he has breached ancient laws.The Court of the Lord Lyon invoked a law dating from 1672 which means Trump must register a coat of arms.
A spokeswoman for Trump said they were working with the court to register the coat of arms.
The businessman has been using the banner on promotional material and official clothing while mounting his bid to create the resort at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.
Lyon clerk Elizabeth Roads said the use of the Trump International Golf Link Scotland design, which bears the Trump family name below a spear-wielding fist and a shield, was being investigated.
Robert the Bruce
She said: “I understand that the procurator fiscal to the Lyon Court is at present looking into the use of what may be heraldic designs by this organization.
“I am afraid, therefore, I cannot say what his decision will be but at present no formal action has been taken concerning this design.”
The court charges about £900 to register a shield and more than £1,300 for the addition of a crest.
Trump flew into Aberdeen to unveil the golf project
Legal action can be taken against anyone who fails to follow the orders of the court.
The earliest official record is of the appointment of a Lyon by King Robert the Bruce in 1318.
The bid to build the golf resort has been controversial.
The Trump Organization recently described allegations of sleaze surrounding the role of ministers in its project as grossly inappropriate.
Donald Trump’s spokesman George Sorial told a Holyrood inquiry that the organization was very offended by the claims of special treatment.
The committee inquiry was launched after the Scottish Government “called in” the Trump planning application to build the £1bn golf resort, featuring two courses, a hotel and housing, on the Menie Estate.
The application had been narrowly rejected by Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee in November.
(Source: BBC) -