Oh Donald

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

By all means, feel free to buy into the populist "Rosie O'Donnell" characterization of someone you've probably never met. As to the issue of bankruptcy-- two companies owned by Trump did go bankrupt. However, they were only two of a larger number of companies in the overall group of business operating under the umbrella of Trump, Inc. at that time. Mr. Trump's core business has never gone bankrupt. Anyone who suggests otherwise needs to check his information.

The bottom line here seems to be that there is more resentment of Mr. Trump based on what he has accomplished-- and the money he's made-- than actual interest in his proposed, billion dollar, investment in an economically disadvantaged area of Scotland. (or his conforming to Scots Law with regard to the registration of corporate arms).

I agree with Sketraw, in so far as Scotland's scenic wonders should be preserved. That said, I also believe that to support the social infrastructure (schools, health care, etc.) inward investment of capital is vitally necessary if Scotland is to go forward and develop a vibrant internal economy. The proposal by Mr. Trump's company to provide inward investment as well as long term employment in the area is something that needs to be carefully considered, and seems to be receiving that consideration at all levels of government.

The point of my original posting was that I found it mean-spirited and sad that people would use the forum to take cheap shots at someone they don't know. The tread is supposed to concern itself with Heraldry or Tartans and, in my opinion, venting against the rich-- simply because they're rich-- really doesn't belong.

[Jack Daw]

Regardless of your opinion of Donald Trump, what the possible offense indicates to me is that the magnate doesn't have the P.R. and legal team to keep him from getting embarrassed. Where does he get his people?? (Don't say, "The Apprentice"!) They sure aren't earning their salaries.

[Phil]

The worrying thing I read is that Donald "where's yer troosers" Trump is considering a site at Portballintrae on the North Antrim coast. This is an unspoiled beach called Runkerry Strand and is adjacent to the Giants Causeway. There is already a golf course nearby but it is the rest of his plans which are likely to devastate what has managed to remain relatively unspoiled to date.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Regardless of your opinion of Donald Trump, what the possible offense indicates to me is that the magnate doesn't have the P.R. and legal team to keep him from getting embarrassed. Where does he get his people?? (Don't say, "The Apprentice"!) They sure aren't earning their salaries.

Actually, as I said earlier, this isn't an uncommon occurrence. Mr. Trump's organization probably registered the devise in the USA, UK (specifically) and EU as a trademark, and thus protected it from any sort of global infringement.

Because of the unique situation regarding the registration of arms in Scotland, and due to the nature of the design of the trademark under discussion, it is necessary to "register the design" (my term) to make certain that it isn't already recorded as a coat of arms belonging to someone else in Scotland.

Mr. Trump's organization isn't unique in this regard. A few years ago, Hibernian (a football team in Scotland) ran into similar trouble over the design of it's heraldic logo/trademark. Schools in Scotland regularly find themselves in the position of having to modify their logo, or register it as a coat of arms.

The Trump people are earning their salaries, and the Trump organization isn't embarrassed.

[Chef]

MacMillan, I believe you are correct about the Donald's business and the fact that his parent's were married when he was born. However I can tell you emphatically that he is arrogant. My wife has worked with him several times in her position at NBC and she would indeed attest to his arrogance.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

MacMillan, I believe you are correct about the Donald's business and the fact that his parent's were married when he was born. However I can tell you emphatically that he is arrogant. My wife has worked with him several times in her position at NBC and she would indeed attest to his arrogance.

So would Ivana! I can only speak as I find-- I've never experienced the arrogance. I'm guessing there is probably a difference between the public persona and the private man... that said, sometimes it is a little hard to tell the difference between a super-abundance of self confidence and arrogance.

[Sketraw]

The bottom line here seems to be that there is more resentment of Mr. Trump based on what he has accomplished-- and the money he's made-- than actual interest in his proposed, billion dollar, investment in an economically disadvantaged area of Scotland. (or his conforming to Scots Law with regard to the registration of corporate arms).

Thing is Scott, Aberdeenhsire and especialy Balmedie 5 miles from Aberdeen is hardly a 'economically disadvantaged' part of Scotland...There is more money round Aberdeen (which is known as the Oil Capitol of Europe) than you can shake a stick at. Don't listen to his PR that he is building in a depresed area of Scotland and he is doing us all a favour..it is simply untrue. Aberdeenshire has the lowest unemployment in the UK with house prices doubling over the last 7 years thats why hes building there.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

John, thanks for the economic update. I would have thought that the real "black holes" would have been in Edinburgh/Glasgow, but the folks in Holyrood led me to believe differently, and that's what I based my comments on. It will be interesting to see how this project progresses now that it's (seemingly) out of local hands. Best regards-
Scott

[Sketraw]

Yes Scott, it will be interesting to see which way Holyrood jumps or more to the point how high Alex Salmon jumps Who is not only First Minister but MSP for Gordon.

It will be interesting to see developments..