Donald Trump's dream of building the world's best golf course became a reality yesterday when his plans for a £1bn resort were given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government. (Video)

Donald Trump's dream of building the world's best golf course became a reality yesterday when his plans for a £1bn resort were given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government.

The decision, which will lead to the creation of some 6000 jobs, of which 1400 will be local and permanent, was welcomed as showing the world "that Scotland is open for business".

But approval was vehemently condemned by conservation groups and local campaigners as the death warrant for Scotland's natural heritage.

Last night Mr Trump, who plans to fly to Aberdeen within the next four weeks, said the global credit crunch would not impact on his plans: "No, it doesn't affect me. I have a lot of cash and fortunately I am not a stock market person so for me it is good and it has no impact. As soon as I can get the approvals we will start."

The plans include proposals for two golf courses, a 450- bedroom hotel and housing as well as holiday apartments and golf villas. But a string of conditions rule that the environmentally sensitive sand dunes on the site must remain protected.

Speaking from Trump Tower in New York, Mr Trump told The Herald that he was honoured by the decision but admitted that he had seriously considered walking away from the project because of planning delays since the site, on the Menie Estate at Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, was first identified three years ago.

"But I am very much honoured by this approval. It is an amazing piece of land and it really has the opportunity with Martin Hawtree (the course designer) to be the greatest golf course anywhere in the world."

First Minister Alex Salmond, in whose constituency the Menie Estate lies and who had been unable to comment because of his position until after the decision, said: "I believe that the economic and social benefits for the north-east of Scotland substantially outweigh any environmental impact, and that this is demonstrated in the evaluation of the three reporters to the public local inquiry.

"In tough economic times, substantial investment of this kind is at a premium. Six thousand jobs, including 1400 which will be local and permanent, is a powerful argument."

Duncan Skinner, north-east chairman of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, said: "It is a major boost to the diversification of the north-east economy and it sends a signal around the world that Scotland is open for business and investment."

Maggie McGinlay, regional operations director of development for Scottish Enterprise, said: "Securing this high-quality, large-scale resort development will help us compete with other leading locations around the world, and builds on Scotland's reputation as the home of golf."

Andy Willox, policy convener of the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland, said: "This is the right decision for the north-east economy."

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "This decision is great news for Aberdeenshire, great news for Scotland and great news for the UK. The Menie Estate golf development project is a huge vote of confidence in Scotland from the Trump Organisation."

However, Aedan Smith, head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, said: "By the applicant's own admission, reiterated at the public local inquiry, the development will cause the destruction of a dune system, with its precious wildlife, on a site which is protected by law and should continue to be available for future generations to enjoy."

Helen McDade, head of policy for the John Muir Trust, criticised the planning ruling, saying: "This decision makes a mockery of the SNP government's commitment to sustainable development."