Donald Trump hits out at neighbour’s ‘slum’

DONALD Trump today launched a scathing attack on an Aberdeenshire neighbour after a court challenge against the tycoon’s golf resort plan.

The US businessman accused Michael Forbes of being “a terrible representative for Scotland”.

And he called on Aberdeenshire Council to deal with the “blight” created by Mr Forbes’ home, which he described as a “slum”.

The criticism came after Mr Forbes’s mother Molly Forbes asked the Court of Session in Edinburgh for an interim interdict against planning permission granted for Mr Trump’s Balmedie golf resort.

Mrs Forbes claimed Aberdeenshire Council was wrong to give the go-ahead for grass planting and for her home to be included in a new masterplan for the site, which was given outline planning permission.

The 85-year-old said the council “failed to follow correct procedures”.

Mr Trump said: “We have always respected all planning and legal procedures.”

He said the golf resort plan – two courses, 950 holiday homes, 500 houses and a hotel – would bring “a great and positive acclaim to Scotland, unlike the image portrayed by Mr Forbes”.

Mr Trump added: “Instead of wasting the court’s resources, he should spend time cleaning up his land so it does not look like a slum.

Mrs Forbes said: “I came out here from Aberdeen to live in peace. That’s all Michael and I want.”

Mr Trump is negotiating to buy the extra five pockets of land – including Mrs Forbes’ Mill of Menie home and her son’s neighbouring home. dewen@ajl.co.uk