Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond has described Donald Trump as “a complete and utter nincompoop” after the US President said a second referendum on Scottish independence would be “terrible” for the country.

“The Grand Canyon is a minor crevice compared to the vast chasm of ignorance of that man,” Mr Salmond added.

The former SNP leader’s remarks follow the publication of a transcript of an interview between Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Gerard Baker and Mr Trump.

During the interview, when asked about a possible trade deal with the UK, Mr Trump voiced concern about whether a second Scottish independence referendum could have an impact on what he called “the British Open”, in reference to the annual golf championship.

The President asked: “Is Scotland going to go for the vote, by the way? You don’t see it. It would be terrible. They just went through hell.”

After Mr Baker said he did not think Scotland would seek another referendum, Mr Trump said: “One little thing, what would they do with the British Open if they ever got out? They’d no longer have the British Open.

“Scotland. Keep it in Scotland,” he added.

Mr Trump, whose mother was Scottish, has made considerable investments in golf in Scotland, including his resorts the Trump International Golf Links and the Trump Turnberry.

According to The Scotsman, Mr Salmond said: “Donald Trump’s opposition to independence should seal the deal for the SNP – and to do it on the basis of Scotland losing the ‘British Open’ is typical.”

“The tournament is actually called The Open and the headquarters of the R&A [the Open’s organising body] is in St Andrews which last time I checked was in Scotland.”

In the Wall Street Journal interview, Mr Trump also made ambiguous comments about a possible trade deal with the UK.

He said he had a “very good relationship with the Prime Minister” and that he was “absolutely looking to do a major trade deal”.

In pictures: Alex Salmond plays football Show all 5 1 /5 In pictures: Alex Salmond plays football In pictures: Alex Salmond plays football Alex Salmond Ouch! Alex Salmond appears to be 'hit' by the ball In pictures: Alex Salmond plays football Alex Salmond But the Scottish First Minister was actually heading it during a photocall In pictures: Alex Salmond plays football Alex Salmond Mr Salmond heading the ball with Scotland under-21 midfielder Kenny McLean In pictures: Alex Salmond plays football Alex Salmond Mr Salmond giving the ball a good kick In pictures: Alex Salmond plays football Alex Salmond Alex Salmond prepares to head a ball during a Street Soccer Scotland photocall with Scotland under-21 midfielder Kenny McLean (right) before the Scottish Cabinet meeting at Fernhill Community Centre in Rutherglen