Donald Trump is willing to discuss the restoration of an historic castle during a visit to Scotland next week, it has been revealed.
The billionaire US property tycoon will be told of plans to revamp Lews Castle near Stornoway on Lewis when he visits the island on Monday.
During the visit he plans to see his mother's former home in Stornoway, before travelling to Aberdeen for an inquiry into his proposed £1 billion golf resort.
A spokeswoman for the tycoon confirmed on Thursday that he had seen a letter from Western Isles Council regarding the castle and was happy to discuss the plans during his visit.
The A-listed castle was built in 1847 for Sir James Matheson, a trader who purchased the Island of Lewis in 1844.
Western Isles Council hopes to re-develop the castle into a hotel and museum at a cost of £7.5 million.
Mr Trump's spokeswoman said: "He has said he is happy to talk to the local authority about this when he is across on Monday, but he cannot make any promises."
She added that Mr Trump, who plans to meet a number of dignitaries and hold a press conference on the island, would not have time to view the castle.
A council spokesman said: "Considerable investment is required for the castle, and if Mr Trump is interested we would be happy to discuss this further."
On Tuesday, Mr Trump is expected to give evidence at the Public Local Inquiry in Aberdeen, which was ordered by Scottish ministers after Aberdeenshire Council rejected plans for his golf development at Menie Estate.