Glasgow Airport could trade Spanish ownership for Dutch control after the firm which owns Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam broke cover as a potential bidder.

The state-owned Schiphol Group said it had a "definite interest" in buying Glasgow Airport if competition watchdogs force current owners BAA to put it up for sale.

The company said it would look at Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports if they are put on the block by BAA, which is owned by Ferrovial of Spain.

Last month, the Competition Commission issued a preliminary report on the British airport market in which it said BAA's ownership of airports in the Central Belt of Scotland was bad for customers, airliners and passengers. It will make a final ruling on the issue next year.

Confirmation of the Dutch interest in Glasgow Airport could alarm council leaders in the west of Scotland. Any bid by Schiphol may thwart efforts to mount a joint bid with Manchester Airport Group (MAG).

Last month, the Herald revealed "discreet negotiations" about sharing ownership of the Abbotsinch facility had taken place between MAG and political leaders.

Schiphol might try to develop Glasgow Airport as a feeder for the Dutch hub, rather than investing in services.