Trump makes political agenda jibe

Mr Trump wants to build the 'world's greatest' golf resort

The property developer Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on an Aberdeenshire councillor.

Martin Ford wants to debate the use of compulsory purchase orders to make way for Donald Trump's golf resort at a council meeting on Thursday.

Councillor Ford denied he was carrying out a personal vendetta.

But Mr Trump accused the councillor of putting his own political agenda above the interests of the people in his ward.

In a statement, Mr Trump said: "Once again Martin Ford has put his own political agenda above the interests of his own constituents.

"He intends to debate a compulsory purchase order at the upcoming meeting of the full Council although we have voluntarily withdrawn any question of compulsory purchase to allow more time for us to negotiate with our neighbours.

"Mr Ford knows that the Council should not prejudge or interfere with this process.

"Once again Martin Ford and his few supporters are sending a very clear signal to the world that Aberdeenshire is Closed to Inward Investment and that developers and other business people are not welcome."

Mr Ford responded: "It is inconceivable that my opposition is a personal vendetta. If no-one agreed with my position we would not have a petition with thousands of signatures against the plans.

"Trump is completely out of step with the population of the north-east. It is time he began listening to people. He should listen, negotiate and compromise. He should stop the threats and bullying."

Councillors will debate the use of compulsory purchase orders to make way for Donald Trump's golf resort at a council meeting on Thursday.

The Trump Organisation had asked for the issue not be discussed at the meeting of Aberdeenshire Council.

The organisation wants more time for negotiations with four owners who have refused to sell their properties.

However, councillors will be asked to debate a motion asking the council not to use compulsory purchase at Menie.

The motion has been proposed by Councillor Ford, who chaired the council committee that originally rejected the proposal for the £1bn development.

The application was later called in by the Scottish government and approved.

The Aberdeenshire Council meeting will take place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

One of the four residents who are refusing to sell up - David Milne - will be allowed to address councillors.

Campaigners targeted Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling

The anti-development group Tripping Up Trump - which said it had been to New York to protest outside Mr Trump's headquarters - also plans to lobby the meeting.

Mr Trump's son, Donald Trump Jnr, earlier told BBC Scotland the owners have been offered a 15% premium on market value.

He said they had also been given the chance to buy new homes at cost price, and the lifetime use of facilities at the new resort.

Campaigners against Mr Trump's golf resort plans last week dressed up statues around Scotland as the American tycoon.

The Menie Liberation Front group said the masks and golf clubs had been added to about 20 statues in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

The Trump Organisation condemned the "stunt".

Mr Trump has said he hopes to create the "world's greatest" golf resort.