Degree 'being returned over Donald Trump award'

The former principal of an Aberdeen university is set to hand back an honorary degree in protest at a similar award being given to Donald Trump.

The Tripping Up Trump group said Dr David Kennedy was "appalled" at Robert Gordon University's plans for the US tycoon's honour next month.

Mr Trump's plans to build the "world's greatest golf course" in Aberdeenshire has proved divisive in the north east.

Tripping Up Trump said Dr Kennedy would return the doctorate on Tuesday.

Martin Glegg from the protest group, of which he said Dr Kennedy is a member, explained: "We hope Robert Gordon University cancel the planned award of a degree to Mr Trump."

Robert Gordon University is due to present Mr Trump with the honorary award of Doctor of Business Administration on 8 October.

The university said the honour recognised Mr Trump's "business acumen" and his company's commitment to the north east of Scotland.

The Trump Organisation said it was a "tremendous honour" for Mr Trump.

Work on Mr Trump's controversial golf course got under way earlier this year.

The billionaire believes the total cost of the project is likely to be about £750m.

Full Story: The BBC