US tycoon Donald Trump on Monday vowed to create the "greatest golf course in the world" after his plans for a Ј1billion resort were given the go-ahead.
Scottish finance secretary John Swinney approved the proposals, saying there was "a significant economic and social benefit" in the project.
The proposals had been rejected in controversial circumstances by Aberdeenshire Council last year, before being called in by ministers.
Mr Trump welcomed the news and said the resort, proposed for the Menie Estate, near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire would be a "tremendous asset" for the area.
He said: "As I have often said, because of the quality of the land we are given to work with, we will build the greatest golf course in the world."
The plans include proposals for two golf courses, a 450-bedroom hotel and housing as well as holiday apartments and golf villas.
The scheme faced strong local opposition, including from environmental groups, but won widespread support in the business community.
First Minister Alex Salmond said today: "The economic and social benefits for the North East of Scotland substantially outweigh any environmental impact."
Mr Salmond, also the local MSP for Gordon, said he had been "cup-tied" from commenting publicly on the issue because of his government position.
He said: "It is great to be able to finally speak my mind.
"In tough economic times, substantial investment of this kind is at a premium."
The scheme today received outline planning permission, but a string of conditions rule that the environmentally sensitive sand dunes on the site must remain protected.
The conditions also stipulate that no more than 500 houses for private sale should be built.
Aedan Smith, head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, said he was "surprised and extremely disappointed" at the decision.
"The development will cause the destruction of a dune system, with its precious wildlife, on a site which is protected by law and should continue to be available for future generations to enjoy.
"We, and the thousands of other objectors, consider that this is too high a price to pay for the claimed economic benefits from this development."
The development will lead to the creation of an estimated 6,000 jobs, of which 1,400 will be local and permanent.
The plans were initially rejected by Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure committee on the casting vote of convener Martin Ford - who was later ousted as chairman in a vote by fellow councillors.
But the plans were swiftly called in by ministers for a final decision.
Mr Ford said he was "extremely disappointed" by the outcome.
He said: "This is a very, very bad precedent indeed and sends out a bad message about the protection in Scotland of our natural heritage sites.
"It appears to me to be a vanity project."
A Holyrood inquiry into the way the Government handled the planning application process accused Mr Salmond of being "cavalier" in his dealings with the US tycoon's firm and senior planning officers.
This decision today follows a report from the Reporters at a public local inquiry held into the development this year which backed the application.
Mr Swinney said on Monday: "I agree with the Reporters' findings.
"The Reporters found there was significant economic and social benefit to be gained from this project, which has been a major consideration in my decision to grant outline planning permission."
Mr Salmond played no role in today's decision because he is the local MSP.
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