In March, the former First Minister was told the Saltire-themed placard nailed to a tree in his garden was in breach of rules.

Officials ordered him to apply for permission for the piece of “political advertising” – while advising that it was unlikely to be granted.

But the Alba leader contended that the sign, just off the B9093 route into Strichen from New Pitsligo, was nothing to do with his pro-independence stance.

An indignant Mr Salmond claimed it was erected more than 18 months ago to help ramblers find their way as they entered the village.

Fuming at “pettifogging officialdom”, he vowed to challenge the ruling.

And faced with the veteran politician’s wrath, the planning department has now had a change of heart.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said officers had “accepted that this is not political signage”.

The spokesman told The Press & Journal: “After careful reconsideration, we have now accepted that this is not political signage.

“We can confirm that, while formal advertisement consent is required, in this particular instance the sign has no impact on safety.

“And the resultant harm caused by the presence of the sign on the amenity [of the area] is not considered to be significant to warrant the planning service taking formal action for its removal.”