Donald Trump is to convert the 14th Century Menie House on his controversial £1bn Aberdeenshire golf resort into a personal residence.

The Property on Menie Estate near Balmedie will be renovated and restored by a number of local companies.

George Sorial, the property tycoon's spokesman, said Mr Trump was looking forward to spending a lot of time in Scotland.

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Trump's contentious plan for two golf courses, as well as hundreds of homes, were the subject of a public local inquiry by the Scottish Government after they were rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.

The plans were then backed by Finance Secretary John Swinney under a number of conditions including the protection of sand dunes and wildlife on the estate.

Early predictions from business leaders show the area could start reaping the economic benefits of the golf project's approval within months.

(GK/JM)