Donald Trump has given a glowing update on work to renovate the world famous Turnberry golf course and hotel.

The American billionaire tycoon said yesterday the transformation now under way would make the golfing resort the "finest of its kind anywhere in the world".

He was speaking ahead of a guest appearance at the Ayrshire Chamber dinner last night - a year after he acquired the west coast golf and leisure complex, and duly renamed it Trump Turnberry.

Further details behind the multi-million pound plans have also been revealed for the first time as the massive upgrade project takes shape.

An extensive 18 month refurbishment programme is now under way and the resort will re-launch on 1 June 2016 when the redesigned Open Championship golf course, The Ailsa, will be available for play for the first time.

In May, Trump Turnberry hotel will re-open its doors following an extensive upgrade to world leading standards, which includes the lavish refurbishment of all hotel bedrooms.

The detailed project requires a partial closure commencing September 27 2015 until mid to late May 2016 when improvements to the hotel and Ailsa course will be carried out.

Mr Trump said: "In close consultation, we will be refining the great Ailsa Championship course including lengthening, re-grassing and making certain changes, many of which have been sought by the R&A for over 25 years.

"This work will be carefully and studiously crafted and when completed, will bring this already amazing masterpiece to a level that even it has never attained.

"At the conclusion of our hotel rebuilding, we will have exquisite new suites, magnificent ballrooms, restaurants and meeting facilities plus a sprawling and luxurious spa. When completed, Trump Turnberry will be the finest resort of its kind anywhere in the world."

Meanwhile, Mr Trump has put forward plans to build hundreds of houses and nearly 2,000 holiday homes at his other Scottish golf resort.

The property tycoon previously halted further development at Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire because of the threat of an offshore windfarm.

He feared the 11-turbine development off the coast of his golf course would spoil the panoramic views.

But the American is now pressing ahead with plans to finish creating his vision of building the greatest resort in the world.

Yesterday (FRI) it emerged that Mr Trump had now applied for planning permission in principle to build 850 residential properties and 1,900 leisure accommodation units on the site.

The application will be considered by the local council along with recently lodged plans to build a second 18-hole golf course.

Executive vice-president of Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, Sarah Malone, said: "We are ready to take forward the other phases of the project and require a flexible development plan to meet the needs and demands of the current market."