Donald Trump has asked the Scottish Government to let him to keep an 80ft flagpole at his Aberdeenshire golf course.

The pole was erected without planning permission at Trump International last year.

Councillors rejected a retrospective application in April, forcing the billionaire to appeal to the Scottish Government to overturn their decision.

Experts from the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals are expected to visit the Menie Estate soon.

It is the second time flags at Trump International have hit the headlines in recent weeks after Mexican flags were flown on the border of the links in June.

Mr Trump got into similar difficulties over a 70ft flagpole at Trump National Golf Club in California which was also erected without permission, according to US media reports.

Mr Trump, who is the Republican candidate for President in the 2016 US election, opened Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie in 2012.