You're hired, Jack tells Donald

Key quote "Donald has shown me a real passion for Scotland. He is a globally recognised figure who can help us to promote Scotland. I am delighted that he has taken up my offer. This is a good bit of business for all concerned." - Jack McConnell

Story in full YOU could call it Jack's Trump card. Following weeks of taking flak for his wooing of Donald Trump, the First Minister has announced the American billionaire is to represent Scotland abroad after being persuaded to become a "GlobalScot".

During his weekend in Aberdeen overseeing the development of a 274 million hotel and golf course, Mr Trump had a meeting with Mr McConnell where he agreed to become the latest, and most prominent, member of the GlobalScot business network. The initiative promotes Scotland's interests in other countries.

Yesterday, Mr Trump, who is estimated to be worth 1.5 billion, and who, as host of the US edition of hit TV series The Apprentice forces contestants through a gruelling series of business auditions before offering gainful employment, said that he was "very pleased" about his new job.

Before flying back to the United States last night, Mr Trump said: "As an international businessman I've enjoyed success over the years and I like to think that part of my achievement can be attributed to my Scottish roots.

"Being immensely proud of my Scottish background and recognising that this is a country with world-class strengths and opportunity, I recently announced my new $500 million [274 million] golf and leisure development in Aberdeenshire.

"I am also pleased to have been asked to join the GlobalScot network. For a long time I've been aware that Scottish people are fiercely proud of Scotland and that they like to help their fellow countrymen."

Yesterday, Mr McConnell, who has been accused of overstepping his ministerial responsibilities for supporting Mr Trump's golf project before it has even received planning permission, said the businessman was perfect for promoting Scotland.

He said: "Donald has shown me a real passion for Scotland. He is a globally recognised figure who can help us to promote Scotland. I am delighted that he has taken up my offer. This is a good bit of business for all concerned."

The GlobalScot network was set up by Scottish Enterprise to draw on the experience and goodwill of successful Scots based overseas and friends of Scotland who were prepared to share their experience in helping the country. Its more than 900 members include John Stewart, chief executive of the National Australian Bank.

The idea behind the system is that should any Scottish business executives require advice about their chosen market in a certain country, members of the GlobalScots network will be able to offer advice and contacts.

Mr Trump, whose mother, Mary MacLeod, was from Stornoway, was in Aberdeenshire to prepare detailed plans for Trump International Golf Links Scotland, a 500-room hotel and what he hopes will be "the greatest golf course in the world" to be based on 800 acres of sand dunes at the Menie estate, just outside Aberdeen.