University of Dundee Principal and Vice-Chancellor resigns
It's after Professor Ian Gillespie was criticised for taking a £7,000 business trip to China with a colleague
Last updated 6th Dec 2024
The University of Dundee’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor has resigned, days after being criticised for taking a £7,000 trip to Hong Kong with a colleague.
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.
The university defended the move at the time, saying the work trip had generated significant investment.
However, this was shortly after staff were told job losses are "inevitable" due to financial difficulties.
The centre faces a potential deficit of £30m in the next financial year.
In an email to staff, Chair of Court Amanda Millar said: “I am writing to inform you that I have received the resignation of Professor Iain Gillespie, advising that he will step down as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University with immediate effect.
“Iain has served for almost four years as Principal and Vice-Chancellor. During that time the University has been named Scotland’s university of the year by The Herald and the Daily Mail, which reflects the excellence of this great institution.
“The University is currently facing significant challenges to our financial sustainability.
“The University leadership group has been working intensively over recent weeks to develop a recovery plan to address this situation.
“Professor Shane O’Neill, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, will take on the leadership of the University Executive Group.
“I am optimistic that they, working closely with our Court, will re-establish a more stable financial foundation to allow the University to flourish again.”
Business class flights for another trip to China had also been booked at a cost of more than £8,300 before being cancelled and rebooked with lower cost premium economy flights.
A spokesperson from the University of Dundee said: “Professor Iain Gillespie has stepped down as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, with immediate effect.
“Professor Gillespie served for almost four years as Principal and Vice-Chancellor. During that time the University has been named Scotland’s university of the year by The Herald and the Daily Mail.
“Professor Shane O’Neill, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, will take on the leadership of the University Executive Group.”