DONALD Trump’s firm has paid £660,000 for five houses near one of his Scots golf courses.
The US presidential candidate, 78, snapped up five properties at Menie, Aberdeenshire.
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The purchase came after he applied for planning permission to build 500 luxury homes at the site.
Work has not started on the project and the website for the development appears to have vanished.
Instead, his team has forked out for the properties called the Coastguard Cottages which overlook the resort.
Mr Trump is looking for planning permission to revamp and add extensions to the houses, which are lying empty.
Documents lodged with the local authority claim there will be no change of use but it is thought they will eventually be rented out to guests.
Local resident David Milne said: “It looks like they’ve given up on the big build.
“These houses are already there. They have water, electricity and a private mains supply so are a less expensive option.”
Mr Milne, 60, who objected to Mr Trump’s development, is not complaining about the revamp bids.
But he reckons they are a long way from the promised £1billion development.
He added: “They’ll make zero difference to the area.”
Permission for a scaled down estate was granted in 2019.
Mr Trump’s son, Eric, has vowed it will be built but only after a second golf course.
Trump International, Scotland confirmed “a number” of cottages had been acquired.
It said the business is committed to its “long-term vision” for the site.
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