Trump: Salmond 'Abusing Power' Over Wind Farms

Donald Trump has accused Alex Salmond of abusing his power by "littering" Scotland with wind turbines.

The US property tycoon hit back at criticism by Scotland's former first minister, who labelled him a beaten man who could not accept defeat.

The latest round in the argument between the two men came as Mr Trump opened a new clubhouse at the Turnberry golf links in Ayrshire.

It is one of two golf courses he owns in Scotland.

The other, the Trump International Links in Aberdeenshire, is the source of controversy because Mr Trump objects to wind turbines being erected off the shore, within view of the course.

He has launched legal opposition to the turbines, but last week Scottish appeal judges threw out his objections.

In a news conference, the US billionaire responded: "Alex Salmond has done Scotland a tremendous disservice.

"If you have these windmills within vision of your home, your home is worth less than 50% of the value.

"Alex has done a tremendous disservice to this incredible landscape and to the people of Scotland. He's abusing his power by having these horrendous wind turbines littering Scotland."

He continued: "They don't work, they're obsolete technology and they cost a fortune.

"That's why the taxes in Scotland are going through the roof. Everyone's complaining about their taxes because they're subsidising these developers of wind farms.

"Alex is abusing his power and he's hurting the people of Scotland."

Mr Trump insisted he would continue his opposition to the wind farms and pursue his appeal through the UK Supreme Court and then to the European courts.

Alex Salmond, now a Westminster MP, hit back in a tweet, saying: "Donald Trump has been beaten twice now in the Scottish courts & should accept latest decision by Scotland's most snr judge with good grace."