Doubts have been cast over the future of plans for a £40m golf resort at the Ury Estate near Stonehaven, Scotland, after the developer behind the scheme went into administration.

Fraser Gray, Elizabeth Mackay and Anne O'Keefe from Zolfo Cooper have been appointed joint administrators of the Edinburgh-based FM Group, incorporating seven companies including FM Developments, which was to build, own and operate the resort. Plans for the Ury Estate scheme include an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, the transformation of the derelict Ury House into a 100-bed luxury hotel and a spa, as well as a shooting range, an equestrian centre, tennis courts and wildlife trails.

Funding for the project, originally due for completion in 2010, was set to come through the sale of 230 homes, which are also planned for the 1,500-acre (607-hectare) estate. However, Gray said that efforts were being made to ensure that the development may be able to continue as planned. He said: "We're firmly committed to exploring he future options available for the group's developments, and in particular, the ambitious plans for the Ury Estate and its proposed Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.

"This development has received strong support from local stakeholders, and with this in mind, we will be assessing the best way forward over the coming weeks."