GONE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE; Gangster flees to Spain.

Byline: Paul O'Hare

GANGSTER Ian "Blink" McDonald has moved out of his flat after two failed assassination attempts.

And the Daily Record understands the convicted bank robber will head for the Costa del Sol in the next few days.

But underworld sources denied Blink is fleeing Scotland and claimed the break will be an opportunity to "recharge his batteries".

In the space of four days, a gas bomb was found under McDonald's prized Mercedes and he was slashed on the face by thugs.

Within 24 hours of being released from hospital, Blink was arrested for an alleged breach of the peace outside a Glasgow nightclub.

And while in police custody, the gangster's prized car - registration B1 LNK - was torched.

Penthouse One source said: "Blink is heading to Spain to recharge his batteries. He will be back in Glasgow within a fortnight to find a new place.

"The interior of the Blinkmobile is badly damaged and it is expected to be declared a write-off so it looks as if he will have to invest in a new car as well."

Last week, he appeared in court in Glasgow charged with a breach of the peace.

It is understood the holiday will have no impact on his bail conditions as McDonald, 48, did not have to surrender his passport.

Blink moved into the penthouse flat near Hogganfield Loch, Riddrie, Glasgow, 18 months ago with girlfriend Kirstin McFarlane.

The couple had been living in the west end of Glasgow and viewed the move as a fresh start. But four months later, Blink ended his three-year relationship with the air hostess.

Our source said: "He is moving out to give the neighbours a break as he feels they have suffered enough.

"But after two weeks they will probably want him back as there will be no excitement."

A local said: "He's a lovely guy is Blink but all this business has scared a lot of the neighbours. We don't want to be getting caught in the crossfire. There are families here and even a pregnant woman in the same building."

In the short term, Blink plans to divide his time between Scotland and the Costa del Sol, where he has a number of friends.

But McDonald has told associates he would eventually like to retire to Spain.

The hardman has vowed revenge on the "cowards" behind the attacks and told police he will personally handle the inquiry into the bomb plot and knife attack.

But despite the attempts on his life, he has turned down police protection.

He recently told the Record he was "a dead man walking".

CAPTION(S):

SCARED OFF: The torched car and in Spain, where he's heading now SCAR: Blink was slashed in the face