MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Donald Trump named ambassador for Scotland

United States real estate tycoon Donald Trump is to become an ambassador for Scotland it was announced Monday.

The billionaire, half Scot, half German, accepted an invitation from Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell to join the Globalscot overseas network of people prepared to use their experience to promote the country.

Trump said: "As an international businessman, I've enjoyed success over the years and I like to think that part of my achievement can be attributed to my Scottish roots."

McConnell said: "Donald is a globally recognised figure who can help us to promote Scotland. I am delighted that he has taken up my offer."

McConnell has come under attack from opposition parties and environmentalists over Trump's planned 600 million US dollars golf course outside Aberdeen in north Scotland.

They claim that the First Minister may have broken planning rules by discussing the massive development with Trump while trying to persuade him to invest in Scotland.