The construction of the course has severely affected the dunes at Menie Estate (Image: Getty)
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) recommended the area be removed from the list, claiming construction of the course had severely affected the dunes at the Trump International Golf Course at Menie Estate, classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Sally Thomas, SNH’s director of People and Nature, said: “The denotification of SSSIs is unusual.
“However, in this case we have found there is no longer a reason to protect the dunes at Menie as they do not include enough of the special, natural features for which they were designated.
“Most of the time, development can take place without damaging important natural features, but this was not the case in this
