"However, once again Mr Trump has made himself look as ridiculous as the thatch he wears on his head."

Severin Carrell reports that an anonymous package featuring a 14-year-old Donald Trump documentary and interview with Selina Scott has made its way to "all 68 councillors on Aberdeenshire council." The package was labeled, "Know who you are dealing with."

Incensed by the implied attack on his integrity, Trump again attacked Scott – who had no known link to the DVD's distribution.

"Selina Scott was a third-class journalist who is now ancient history and she treated me unfairly," he stated. "It was a boring story then and she has since faded into obscurity where she belongs."

Scott replied in kind, telling the Scotsman: "Whether beautiful, protected, wild country should be ploughed up for hotel accommodation in order to enhance Trump's corporation in America is a matter for the good citizens of Aberdeenshire.

"However, once again Mr Trump has made himself look as ridiculous as the thatch he wears on his head."

The package seemed to be timed for an important family visit.

Today, Trump's son Donald Trump Jnr flew into Aberdeen for a two-day long series of business meetings and press events to promote the golf resort. He said his father was anxious to proceed with the development.

"We have put in over $50m to where we are today, pure cash, and unlike everyone else we are in the fortuitous position to not have to go to talk to banks – we can do this project without them," he said.