Michael Forbes (farmer)

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Michael Forbes (born circa 1952) is a farmer, part-time salmon fisherman and quarry worker from near Balmedie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland who became known after his refusal to sell his land to Donald Trump who is planning to build an extensive luxury golf course complex in the area.^[1]^[2] Forbes' farm, which is said to be in a state of disrepair, has the words "NO GOLF COURSE" painted on a shed.^[3] He joked about submitting an application for planning permission to build a crazy golf course in the area.^[4]

He attracted media attention in the United States for standing up to Trump, being described as both "some old farmer in a kilt" and a "force of nature".^[5] Forbes has insisted that he will "never sell" his land to Trump despite being offered a payment £450,000 in addition to a salary of £50,000 per year for an unspecified job.^[6] The plans to build the golf complex were rejected in late November 2007 by Aberdeen City Council, although Trump plans to appeal the issue and take it to the Scottish Executive for review.^[7] He has been compared to the beachcomber character in the film Local Hero.^[6]