Mr Trump's plans were rejected then called in by the SNP

The Scottish Tories have said that Holyrood's local government committee should mount its own investigation.

American tycoon Mr Trump had his �1bn proposal rejected by Aberdeenshire Council and then called in by the Scottish Government.

First Minister Alex Salmond said he was "relaxed" about the prospects of a committee inquiry into the matter.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats had initially called for an inquiry headed by a judge, but they have now backed the Tory plan.

The Scottish Labour Party said it was still considering its position.

The move by opposition parties came as the US tycoon warned that "malicious" attacks were putting his plans for the Menie estate in jeopardy.

Scottish Labour will have further discussions before deciding on the best course of action Scottish Labour Party spokesperson

The SNP also slammed Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen, claiming he was out of touch with public opinion in his native north east.

A party spokesperson said: "He is out of kilter with the people, and gives every impression of being on the run from the electorate."

On Wednesday, Tory business manager David McLetchie will move for Holyrood's local government and communities committee to take evidence on the government's role in the affair.

It could see Mr Salmond brought before MSPs to give evidence.

Mr McLetchie said: "Scottish Conservatives believe that the most appropriate body to examine the conduct, handling and 'calling in' of this planning application by the Scottish Government is the parliament's local government and communities committee."

'Serious questions'

A series of questions, freedom of information requests and a letter from party leader Annabel Goldie must also be answered by Mr Salmond before Christmas, the former Tory leader added.

Lib Dem Robert Brown had lodged a motion calling for a "short-life" commission established by parliament to conclude an inquiry within 28 days.

Party leader Nicol Stephen said: "At the heart of this issue is the consistent failure of the SNP government to answer the serious questions which remain about their handling of the Trump Organisation's planning application."

A Scottish Labour spokesperson said the SNP had got "some serious questions" to answer over its handling of the application.

Ministers will decide on the Trump plans for the Menie Estate

"Scottish Labour will have further discussions before deciding on the best course of action to get the clarity that the parliament and the people of Scotland expect from the Scottish Government on this issue," the spokesperson added.

Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee kicked out the plans for the resort, including two golf courses, a hotel and housing, on 29 November.

On 4 December, SNP Finance Minister John Swinney "called in" the application, which meant the government would have the final say on the matter.

The day before, Mr Salmond met members of the Trump Organisation at a luxury hotel near Aberdeen, although the SNP leader has said this was done as part of his role as a local MSP.

It has also emerged that on the day ministers called in the application, Trump representatives were with the government's chief planner, Jim Mackinnon, during a phone call to the council chief executive.