Scotland: You're Hired!

This story started over five years ago, and as of this week, it has a happy ending. I had spent five years reviewing sites throughout Europe, and turned down over 200 possibilities for development.  Then I saw the links land at Menie Estate, which is in northeast Scotland’s Grampian Region. I had never seen such a dramatic unspoiled seaside landscape--it had three miles of spectacular oceanfront and sand dunes of immense proportions. To put it mildly, I was excited. I knew this was the right place for my golf course, and I had two additional reasons for that: My mother was born in Scotland and Scotland is the birthplace of golf.

This would be a labor of love for me, and I couldn’t wait to get started on my plans. Well, two years later, I can finally get started. I got full approval this week, and I realized this would be a great business lesson for you to hear about. It’s about determination and perseverance.

Going back two years, as soon as my proposed development was announced, environmentalists were immediately on guard. In fact, the environmental statement on this estate takes up two five-inch-thick books. Also, it would be an expensive development, costing one billion pounds. Anything I do means instant scrutiny, but the scope of my plans were such that no one thought I would get approval to go ahead. In short, there were a lot of issues to be dealt with, from badger and otter protection plans to the economic value to locals. I knew it wouldn’t be easy.

People were expecting a duel, which I realized, so instead I offered a partnership approach. We worked with the Scottish National Heritage and because we had the same concerns, it became clear that I am environmentally sensitive. I was also inclined to be sympathetic to the rich history of the area due to my heritage, and gave that aspect due respect. I also hired the leading expert on geomorphology (the study of movement landforms, such as sand dunes) and we did extensive research on the 25 acres of sand dunes on this land. I was thorough and painstaking, which I think was noticed.

The Scottish government held a public inquiry that lasted for five weeks, and my development had very broad local and business community support. The local politicians were for it, the environmentalists supported us, and a significant point is that the Scottish ministers also agreed with us. It turns out it is one of the largest land-use applications approved in UK history. The locals were ecstatic, and considering the world wide economy, I can understand that.

I could literally write a book about this development already, and we’re just getting started. But I have to say this victory is particularly great because it’s been a victory for everyone. Scotland and the locals won, and so did I. We have received great feedback from people who have watched this development over the past couple of years remarking on how tenacious we were to fight that long and that hard for it. There have been thousands of articles printed about it since Monday, and we have received countless letters. So remember when you come up against obstacles--just persevere, remain determined, and it’s likely you’ll know what victory feels like too.