University of Dundee defends principle's £7,000 Hong Kong trip despite staff cuts warning
Professor Ian Gillespie travelled business class from Edinburgh last year
The University of Dundee is defending a trip totalling over £7,000 by its principal and a member of staff to Hong Kong, despite warnings of staff cuts.
Professor Ian Gillespie travelled business class from Edinburgh last year for £4,723 – his colleague flew on the cheaper fayre of £1,067.
Accommodation for the pair was £682 each.
But, earlier this month, university staff were told job losses are "inevitable" due to financial difficulties.
The centre faces a potential deficit of £30m in the next financial year.
Business class flights for a forthcoming trip to China were also booked at a cost of more than £8,300 before being cancelled and rebooked with lower cost premium economy flights.
A spokesperson for the University of Dundee said: “The Principal is travelling to China where we have significant partnerships, including the Dundee International Institute of Central South University, and also opportunities to develop further collaboration.
“Our activity in China is a major part of our global strategy which brings in million of pounds to the University every year, through student recruitment and in-country education and collaboration.
“That income is vital in considering our future sustainability.
“The Principal is travelling to and from China by premium economy. In planning international travel, it is not unusual for plans and commitments to change.
“That sometimes comes at a relatively small cost as flights and accommodation have to be rearranged, but must be weighed against the value of the activity and the significant income it helps generate to the University.
“On Professor Gillespie’s appointment the Chair of Court provided authorisation that as Principal he was permitted to travel premier economy or business class for long haul flights.”
The University of Dundee has added that the Hong Kong trip has brought in funds and donations worth around £75,000 so far.