Connery to open Trump's $1bn golf resort

Sir Sean Connery will open Donald Trump's $1 billion golf resort in Scotland.

The James Bond actor, who has been awarded the membership number 007, will hit the first drive from the Aberdeenshire course.

Connery hailed Trump's vision, saying that it would help stimulate the Scottish economy.

"During tough economic times, this is a major vote of confidence in Scotland's tourist industry and our ability to rise to the challenge," he commented. "I look forward to seeing a new gem in the north-east that is good for Aberdeenshire and good for Scotland."

The 78-year-old also praised the Scottish government for overturning the Aberdeenshire Council's decision to block the US tycoon's proposal to build the resort.

"It's exactly this kind of swift decision making and focus on boosting the economy and local job opportunities which shows that Scotland is an excellent place to do business," the Daily Record quotes him as saying.