[4] The wind farm was initially proposed by the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) in 2003.

[7] A geological survey of Aberdeen Bay was begun in 2007,[8] and a grant of 40 million euros was offered by the European Commission in 2009.

[9] The application was submitted by Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) in cooperation with two other companies, Vattenfall and Technip.

[17] American billionaire Donald Trump purchased a large part of the Menie estate near the village of Balmedie in 2006.

"[19] In 2006 RSPB Scotland expressed concern about the effect both the wind farm and Donald Trump's golf course would have on the wildlife on the Aberdeenshire coast.

[19] In 2011 the RSPB called for "more planning, research and monitoring ... to ensure we truly understand the impact this site may have on local birds.

[21] By 2012 the RSPB dropped its opposition to the wind farm following the reduction in the number of turbines and a change in the layout.

"[22] In May 2013 Trump launched a legal challenge against the Scottish government's decision to grant planning permission for the wind farm.