Scottish ministers have stepped in to decide whether Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort goes ahead, after the plans were rejected by the local authority. The property tycoon's Aberdeenshire proposals were turned down last week by a council committee.
Ministers said the issue required consideration at a national level.
This particular move by the government is thought to be unprecedented.
A Scottish Government statement, issued on Tuesday afternoon, said: "Ministers recognise that the application raises issues of importance that require consideration at a national level," read a Scottish Government statement. Calling the application in allows ministers the opportunity to give full scrutiny to all aspects of this proposal before reaching a final decision."
Earlier, The Trump Organisation's head of international development, George Sorial, said: "At this moment we are not considering resubmitting the plans.
"I will return for the special meeting next week and see what that brings."
Mr Trump's representatives said they would not appeal against the decision last week to turn down the plans for the Menie Estate near Balmedie, which were criticised by some environmental groups and local campaigners.
Several offers have been received from a number of landowners in the UK hoping to secure the project after the refusal.
WHY has the Scottish Government done this? They are giving power to a right-winged billionaire who will not benefit Scotland?????????
04/12/07 @ 19:54