Property tycoon Donald Trump has halted further dealings with one of the property owners refusing to sell up to make way for his proposed £1bn golf resort in Aberdeenshire.

According to BBC Scotland Mr Trump has branded Michael Forbes, who lives on the Menie Estate, a "loser" who is damaging the image of Scotland.

The rant follows the launch of Mr Forbes' mother's legal bid to stop the construction of the resort on her land.

Molly Forbes, 85, from Menie, is seeking an interim interdict over Aberdeenshire Council's decision to grant planning permission for five pockets of land.

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The pensioner has lodged papers with the Court of Session in Edinburgh claiming Aberdeenshire Council did not determine the planning applications correctly.

She claims that Trump Golf Links Scotland did not give enough information regarding why it now requires land it previously said it did not need.

In a statement Mr Trump said: "It is tragic that an elderly woman is being exploited to further the personal vendetta of Michael Forbes and his few supporters.

"He [Mr Forbes] is a loser who is seriously damaging the image of both Aberdeenshire and his great country.

"We will not be distracted by the rants of the local village idiot and intend to vigorously defend any challenge to our project."

Speaking yesterday Mrs Forbes said: "I never expected in my life to face eviction from my home, let alone for a golf course.

"This is not a battle I would ever have sought, but Mr Trump and Aberdeenshire Council should know that I will never give up, and I urge them to think again."

The Environmental Law Centre Scotland, a charity offering legal advice and help on environmental matters, will represent Mrs Forbes.

(GK/BMcC)