Petition calls for Trump golf apology from Aberdeenshire Council

A petition is calling for an apology from Aberdeenshire Council over Donald Trump's controversial golf resort.

The golf course opened on the Menie estate in 2012.

Planning permission was granted on the basis that the economic benefit would outweigh environmental harm.

The petition from a member of the public claims lessons must be learned from what is described as a "sad episode". It has so far gathered more than 200 signatures.

It could be discussed by the full council at a meeting next Thursday.

Permission for the resort, including houses, holiday homes and a hotel, was granted in 2008.

The plan was called in by the Scottish government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.

Plans have recently been lodged for 550 homes, as well as shops, offices and food outlets, and are due to be considered later this year.

Trump International Golf Links Scotland has been asked for a response.

Branded The Trump Estate, the new plans feature a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom cottages, priced from £295,000, to larger properties costing more than £1m.