A hotel has had its five-star status restored after its owner apologised for making homophobic remarks during a dinner speech.

Marcliffe owner Stewart Spence said he was "lucky" never to have hired a gay employee and made offensive comments about the actor John Travolta.

Following the remarks at the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland dinner last month, VisitScotland suspended the Aberdeen hotel's five-star rating.

It has now been restored after the hotel provided evidence it does not operate discriminatory hiring policies.

A spokesman for VisitScotland said: "The business has responded within the set time period to give us those assurances and a clear commitment to their equality policy.

"The policy covers all the key areas, including LGBTI customers and employees, and clearly sets out both the responsibility of the hotel management and the staff.

"On that basis, we are pleased to be able to remove the suspension and relist the hotel on VisitScotland.com, including the five-star rating.

"We look forward to continuing the positive working relationship that the Marcliffe and VisitScotland have enjoyed for many years."

Mr Spence apologised for his remarks in an email sent the day after the event.

Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland distanced itself from Mr Spence's comments, calling them "shocking".