Trump, Murdoch and Salmond: A tale of two cities

A tale of two cities, two tycoons - and one first minister.

At Holyrood, Donald Trump expresses his considerable disquiet at proposals to site an offshore wind development in a proximity to his golf course which he regards as uncomfortably close.

In London, Rupert Murdoch gives evidence to the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics following disclosures from his son, James, about contacts with Alex Salmond's office.

In both cases, opposition leaders discern the absence of a third factor, asserting that Team Salmond still has more questions to answer.

They want a Holyrood statement on Murdoch - and further information on Trump.

Firstly, "the Donald."

Mr Trump says he was offered assurances by Mr Salmond - and his predecessor Jack McConnell - that the offshore project would not go ahead.

The US tycoon says he was "lured". Mr Salmond says that claim is completely untrue.

Secondly, the Murdochs.

We learned yesterday of emails from a News Corporation aide to James Murdoch indicating that Mr Salmond was willing to offer support for their bid to gain full control of BSkyB, contacting the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, if necessary.

Mr Salmond said there was no phone call or letter to Mr Hunt. Today we learned that a phone conversation had been scheduled for the 3rd of March, 2010, but that no such call occurred because it was overtaken by events.

Mr Salmond says the email version of events amounts merely to "chatter" within the company - for which he has no responsibility.

Further - and centrally - he is adamant that there was no link whatsoever between possible backing for the BSkyB bid and support for the SNP from the Scottish Sun. James Murdoch was equally adamant.

And there we are, for now, pending further evidence from Rupert Murdoch, questions to the first minister tomorrow and a forthcoming appearance by Mr Salmond at the Leveson Inquiry.

Update at 15:18: And more indeed. Giving evidence at Leveson, Rupert Murdoch said his relationship with Alex Salmond had developed and was "warm".

He indicated he was emotionally attracted to the notion of independence but not yet convinced. Let us see how he performs, he added.

Mr Murdoch - who has Scottish ancestry - said he did not know much about the SNP but found Mr Salmond an interesting person, amusing and good company.

He closed by saying that if News International did not continue to support the SNP in Scotland they would have "an insurrection" in their Scottish operation.

And there's more still.

The Scottish government has said that the special adviser who was in contact with News Corp's Frederic Michel is Geoff Aberdein, who is a highly trusted aide primarily responsible for the FM's diary and for ensuring smooth organisation.

He is the adviser mentioned in the email exchange.

Mr Salmond has released a letter he sent to James Murdoch which emphasises that the purpose of potential contact between the two was economic development in Scotland.

Update at 19:15: And more tonight: Team Salmond say in clarification there was no call specifically scheduled for 3 March.

Instead they say Mr Salmond stood ready to make such a call but that was overtaken by events.