Aberdeenshire Council's reputation has been tarnished by the Legoland scandal, according to politicians.

The local authority's co-leader Martin Kitts-Hayes resigned after it emerged he had abandoned a conference at Legoland in Denmark because he was unhappy with his accommodation.

He said remaining a councillor was "not worth the effort", claiming he had been "personally abused" as a result of his decision.

On Thursday, a special meeting was called to discuss the aborted trip, which cost nearly £3400.

Conservative councillor Jim Gifford claimed the council's "reputation had been damaged" and said he was "still seeking an apology from Mr Kitts-Hayes".

A report published last week revealed Mr Kitts-Hayes said the cabin booked for him at Legoland looked like a "glorified shed" and called it "reminiscent of Butlins in the 1970s".

Liberal Democrat Karen Clark said: "This was a sorry episode in the history of this great council. We have been made laughing stock."

Conservative councillor Jill Webster added: "Our reputation has been tarnished. It's been an embarrassment.

"It's a privilege to serve as a councillor - not a passport to expect privileged treatment."

Mr Kitts-Hayes planned to step down as council co-leader but remain a councillor before handing in his resignation on Wednesday.