George Sorial believes the site is the best option

The US billionaire wants to build "the world's greatest golf course" at the Menie estate, north of Aberdeen.

The tycoon spoke via a recorded video, before objections and statements in support of the development were heard.

Council officers have recommended backing the plans, which include a 450-bedroom hotel.

It's a means to an end, it's a way of presenting luxury housing to the international market, it's got nothing to do with golf, it's the teaser Michael Foote Golf course objector

The sand dunes at the proposed site are an environmentally-sensitive area.

The plans also include almost 1,000 holiday homes and about 500 private houses.

One of the objectors was Michael Foote, who lives on the Menie estate.

He told BBC Scotland at Thursday night's meeting: "It's a means to an end, it's a way of presenting luxury housing to the international market, it's got nothing to do with golf, it's the teaser."

Latest stage

The Trump Organisation's head of international development, George Sorial, told BBC Scotland that something "world class" was needed as Scotland did not need another good or average golf course.

He said development and architecture meant the site was the best option.