An independent investigation has been launched into concerns that "key signs of distress" were withheld from leadership at a top Scottish university. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) announced that Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSA FAcSS FRSE, former principal and vice chancellor at Glasgow Caledonian University, will oversee an investigation into "the causes and contributing factors to the deterioration of the University of Dundee’s financial position." Dundee recently received a £22 million cash infusion from the Scottish Government through the SFC in order to buy time to enact a plan for closing a £35 million budget gap.
Dundee is not the only university facing significant financial troubles. Many universities have been impacted by a recent sharp decline in fee-paying international students, and the University of Edinburgh is also looking to plug a gap of £140 million. Despite this bigger picture, however, there are unique questions about how Dundee's finances have been handled.
The situation at Dundee came to light in November 2024, although evidence suggests that preexisting concerns were not addressed. During an evidence session for Holyrood 's education committee on 19 March, current university leaders explained that finance staff had assured them that the university would break even. They said this message was consistently given until November, when the actual deficit was reported.
They also promised an imminent independent investigation. The SFC has now announ.