Mr Trump already owns four golf courses in America

A senior aide to Mr Trump said plans to build a course in Scotland had run into problems and the company was now looking elsewhere.

Managing partner of Trump Golf Properties Ashley Cooper confirmed that the project had stalled.

He said Scotland was the first choice but he was also looking at Ireland.

We have had a kink in the road with our negotiations Ashley Cooper Trump Golf Properties

Mr Trump's mother was born in the Western Isles and he had expressed an interest in developing a links golf course in Scotland.

The 59-year-old already owns four golf courses in the United States and his golfing advisers have reportedly visited Scotland.

It is thought discussions took place between Mr Trump's aides and officials at Aberdeenshire Council.

Sites at Balmedie and Hazlehead Park had been mooted as possible locations.

But an impasse appears to have been reached over title-related legal issues.

Planning application

Mr Cooper said: "We have had a kink in the road with our negotiations.

"Our priority continues to be to find a suitable deal in Scotland and we hope to have some kind of a deal to talk about towards the end of the year.

However, he said that the firm is ready to go elsewhere and is currently looking at a second option in Ireland.

Aberdeenshire Council said the planning application was being treated the same as any other.

In a statement it said: "We are happy to provide support and advice to anybody thinking of lodging a planning application in Aberdeenshire.

"Should any application be lodged by Mr Trump or his associates, it would be considered on its merits as with any other planning application."

Mr Trump's current golf courses include Briarcliff Manor in New York .

In the US his celebrity status has been elevated following the success of his reality television show, The Apprentice, and its "you're fired" catchphrase.