Delays in dealing with Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort application as damaging to Scotland's reputation
A leading business figure has described delays in dealing with Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort application as damaging to Scotland's reputation.
Geoff Runcie said the US property tycoon's plans had the "overwhelming support" of the business community.
The chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce asked the Scottish Government to reach a "positive early decision".
The inquiry into the plans for Menie, Aberdeenshire, continues next week.
Mr Trump wants to build two championship golf courses, a five star hotel and houses at the Menie Estate.
Environmentalists fear the development could damage sensitive sand dune systems in the area.
The application was rejected by the Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee before it was called in by the Scottish Government.
Mr Runcie told the fourth day of the public local inquiry at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) the "global Trump brand" would help raise the region's status and bring more business to existing clubs in the area
Mr Runcie said: "The chamber believes that the process thus far has been overtly tortuous and has unfortunately not placed Scotland in the best light either within its own boundaries, nationally within the UK, or on the global scene.
"We would reiterate that there is a significant and overwhelming support from the business community for the proposal to be taken forward and for the Scottish Government to reach a positive early decision."
'Own merits'
Martin Ford, the councillor whose casting vote led to the plans being rejected last year, asked Mr Runcie whether he was "favourably disposed" to the application before all the issues were known.
Mr Runcie replied: "No. As with many issues coming before the chamber, they are presented on their own merits.
"We made clear that those who supported it should indicate that, but those opposed should equally do so."
Mr Ford then suggested that "the natural heritage which is already there is a much more intrinsically Scottish proposition than golf".
Mr Runcie said: "That is a reasonable proposition for you to make."
Mr Ford asked: "You accept that is an alternative view that has validity?"
"You made the statement," Mr Runcie replied.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/7453073.stm