Concerns have been raised over the impact on the environment
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Business leaders have joined forces to urge the Scottish Government to give the go-ahead to US billionaire Donald Trump's plans for a £1bn golf resort.
They claimed the proposal for the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire could create much needed jobs and boost tourism.
The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after an Aberdeenshire Council committee rejected it.
Backing the resort were CBI Scotland, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
Groups including Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB Scotland have opposed the project, due to Mr Trump's plans to build part of a course on delicate sand dunes.
The business leaders argued that with the economy struggling in the wake of the credit crunch, the Trump development could create jobs and boost the construction and tourism industries.
Mr Trump hopes to build a resort, featuring two championship golf courses, a five star hotel, 950 holiday homes and 500 private houses at a site north of Aberdeen.
There has been a four-week long public inquiry into Mr Trump's plans and reporters will make recommendations to Scottish ministers, who are expected to make a decision on the application by the end of the year.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron said it was a "once-in-a-lifetime inward investment opportunity" which should be taken.
She said: "With declining business and consumer confidence having a material effect on our economy, growth rates are becoming dangerously shallow and our economy needs every boost it can get at the moment.
"We are urging the government to make the right decision and to make it swiftly."
Economic case
David Lonsdale, assistant director for the CBI in Scotland, also urged ministers to make a quick decision on the project, arguing that granting the development the green light "would be a timely shot in the arm for the Scots economy".
David Watt, executive director of the Institute of Directors Scotland, argued in the current economic climate it was vital "to be positive and seize the opportunities when they appear".
He said: "Scotland's future significantly depends on developments such as this and it should be warmly welcomed by politicians and the general public as well as the business community.
"Right now, no-one should need any more convincing of the overwhelming economic case."
The calls were also backed by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
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