Donald Trump adviser had opposed golf course

An ecologist advising Donald Trump on his planned £1bn golf resort in Aberdeenshire admitted yesterday he did not believe the course should be built on environmentally sensitive land.

Tom Dargie said his initial advice to avoid building on sand dunes was rejected by the Trump Organisation. He said he stood by his assessment but had decided not to walk away and instead continue to work on the project.

Environmentalists are opposed to the course being built on the protected dunes, which are a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and home to a rich variety of wildlife.

Dr Dargie was a witness for the Trump Organisation on the fifth day of a public inquiry into the US billionaire's proposed development on Scotland's north coast. The inquiry earlier heard from Professor William Ritchie, a coastal geomorphologist, who said the course construction would have a negative impact.

The hearing continues.