Landowner demands Trump apology

Michael Forbes is angry about comments made about his home

A farmer whose home sits in the middle of Donald Trump's planned £1bn golf development has said he may discuss selling up - if he gets an apology.

Michael Forbes has previously vowed never sell his land in Aberdeenshire to "that loudmouth bully".

Now he has said he will talk to the Trump organisation if the billionaire and his aides make a public apology.

A spokesman for Mr Trump said he had nothing to apologise for. Work on the complex is due to begin on 1 November.

Mr Forbes, who lives on the Menie Estate with his wife and elderly mother, is reported to have been offered a £50,000-a-year job at the golf complex and £350,000 towards the cost of a new home.

But he insisted he had a sentimental attachment to his croft and was angry at comments made about the appearance of his property.

Our door is always open and that door will remain open George Sorial Project director

He said Mr Trump's representatives had been to his house again to try to persuade him to change his mind, but insisted he would only talk if he received apologies from Mr Trump and four of his aides.

"For all the hassle they've put me through, all the stress they've put me through and all the lies they've told," Mr Forbes said.

Mr Trump's project director George Sorial said: "I'm not sure we have anything to apologise for.

He added: "I expressed that, irrespective of anything that has gone on in the past, if they want to come and talk, our door is always open and that door will remain open."

Aberdeenshire Council has said compulsory purchase will only be used as a last resort.

The plans for two championship golf courses, 950 holiday homes and 500 houses were originally rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee before being called in by the Scottish Government and approved.

Final planning permission has still to be granted before construction can commence.