Dundee principal quits with immediate effect amid cash crisis

The principal of the University of Dundee has resigned with immediate effect in a shock move after criticism of his expenses and warnings of the institution’s dire financial situation.

Iain Gillespie, who has led the institution since January 2021, had told staff last month that job cuts could be on the way to help combat a deficit of up to £30 million.

Professor Gillespie resigned on 6 December, with Shane O’Neill, the deputy vice-chancellor and provost, taking on the leadership of the university in his absence.

During Professor Gillespie’s four-year tenure, Dundee was named Scotland’s university of the year by The Herald and the Daily Mail.

But the institution has struggled recently, with the vice-chancellor telling staff via email last month that he was planning for “a significant deficit” in the wake of “an extremely challenging period” for the sector.

Despite a recruitment freeze and reducing operational expenditure, Dundee was still expecting a deficit of between £25 million and £30 million next year.

The former pro vice-chancellor for research and enterprise at the University of Leicester has also come under fire over his expenses. According to reports, his expenses claims totalled £131,000 for travel and accommodation in the past three years.

Last month Professor Gillespie, who was also convener of Universities Scotland, faced criticism for a trip to Hong Kong with a colleague which cost £7,154 in flights and accommodation. A university staff member told the BBC that the use of business class flights was “irresponsible”.

According to financial statements for 2022-23 – the most recent year available – Professor Gillespie received a total remuneration package of £316,000, including a base salary of £259,000.

Following the announcement, Maggie Chapman, a Scottish Greens Member of the Scottish Parliament for North East Scotland, criticised university management.

“After weeks of hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Dundee Uni senior management has some questions to answer,” she posted on Bluesky.

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com