Proposals for a £6m heritage centre at Rubislaw Quarry in Aberdeen have been denied.

Millions of tonnes of granite were excavated from the quarry, which closed in 1971 and is now filled with water.

Quarry owner and businessman Hugh Black hopes to create a heritage centre with a restaurant and viewing area celebrating Aberdeen's granite history.

On Tuesday, the Land Tribunal for Scotland confirmed Mr Black's application has been denied.

Rival plans have come forward from Canadian developer Carttera to build 300 flats as well as a heritage centre and bistro on the edge of the site.

He said: "Obviously we are very disappointed that the tribunal favoured our opponents in this case.

"Obviously we have a right of appeal and we will look at the options over the next few days to take us down that route. It is likely that we will make an appeal to the decision.

"The disappointing thing for us is that a handful of objectors, namely three property developers who don't even live in the city, could derail what is a unique and transformational project for the city."

Carttera has not made an official statement on the planning refusal but STV understands it is happy with the move and will submit its plans shortly.