Start date for Trump golf inquiry

Mr Trump said he was disappointed there would be an inquiry

A public inquiry into Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort application in Aberdeenshire is set to start in June, it has emerged.

Ministers have appointed James McCulloch, chief reporter and director for planning and environmental appeals, to conduct the inquiry.

A pre-inquiry meeting will be held on 26 March to discuss the arrangements.

The chief reporter said the inquiry into the Menie plans should start in the second half of June.

An exact timescale will only be available after the pre-inquiry meeting.

National level

Letters are being sent to everyone who made representations to Aberdeenshire Council or directly to Scottish Ministers.

US tycoon Mr Trump earlier described as "disappointing" the decision to hold the public inquiry.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said the billionaire's plans raised issues of importance which required consideration at a national level.

Ministers called in the planning application for the development in December.

Mr Trump said he would seek a different location if the process took too long.

He wants to build two courses, a hotel and housing.

The plans, which were narrowly rejected by Aberdeenshire Council, have sparked opposition from local and environmental groups but support from business leaders.