Business leaders have joined forces to urge the Scottish Government to give the go-ahead to US billionaire Donald Trump's plans for a golf resort.

They claimed the £1bn development was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for Scotland and urged ministers to make a swift decision.

The business leaders argued that the Trump development could create much-needed jobs and also boost both the construction and tourism industries.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) have all united to back the American tycoon's proposals.

Mr Trump hopes to build a resort featuring two championship golf courses, a five-star hotel, 950 holiday homes and 500 private houses at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.

The planning application was called in by the Scottish Government last year after an Aberdeenshire Council committee rejected it. There has been a four-week public inquiry into the plans.

Environmental groups, including Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB Scotland have opposed the plans, due to Mr Trump's insistence on building part of a course on delicate sand dunes.

But SCC chief executive Liz Cameron said the economic impact of the development far outweighed environmental concerns. "We have a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity which we must grasp," 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."

David Lonsdale, assistant director for the CBI in Scotland also urged ministers to make a quick decision on the project, arguing that giving the development the green light "would be a timely shot in the arm for the Scots economy".

Ian Armstrong, of the SCDI, argued the Trump development would attract visitors from across the world.

He said: "The proposal has the support of the local people, local business and the local council, now we need the support of the Scottish Government."

Moira Gash, of the FSB, claimed the resort would have "many economic benefits".

And David Watt, executive director of IoD Scotland, said: "Scotland's future depends on developments such as this and it should be warmly welcomed by politicians and the general public as well as the business community."

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: "This application was called in for ministers to determine because it raises issues of importance that require consideration at a national level.

"Given the nature of the application and the considerable public interest it is important that the process to examine the issues is as efficient, transparent and inclusive as possible.

"Calling the application in allows ministers to give full scrutiny to all aspects of this proposal before reaching a final decision."

She added: "Scotland has proved more resistant to financial pressures than other parts of the UK.

"However, with deflationary forces becoming stronger by the day, Scotland is not immune to the economic downturn."