The US tycoon's golf complex plans were rejected

Mr Trump's bid to build an "elite" development in Aberdeenshire was rejected by councillors on Thursday.

Dumfries and Galloway Council will now contact the Trump Organisation in a bid to attract it to the south-west.

The council's minority Conservative administration said Aberdeenshire's loss could be their gain.

Council leader Ivor Hyslop said the region had much to offer the golf industry and it was determined to ensure that Mr Trump was aware of the opportunities.

He said the council shared his vision.

Mr Hyslop said the council had big ambitions and would seek to exploit every opportunity to bring "high quality and high value" tourism business to the region.

Casting vote

He said he was "sorry" that Aberdeenshire had not seen the opportunity the development represented but he wanted to send a clear message that Dumfries and Galloway was forward-looking and open for business.

The council will seek a meeting with Mr Trump's representatives, who have already said they will take the project elsewhere if Aberdeenshire closes the door on them for good.

The US billionaire's golf complex and housing development plan at the Menie Estate was rejected by Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure committee.

It rejected the plans on the chairman's casting vote after a tied vote.

The Trump International Links scheme includes two championship golf courses and 1,500 homes.