A secret auditor’s report suggests former Dundee University principal Professor Iain Gillespie’s expense claims broke the rules.
And it can be revealed how Mr Gillespie enquired how he could get a knighthood after his counterpart at Edinburgh University received recognition from King Charles III.
He is said to have told colleagues he “wants one of those” after Sir Peter Mathieson was included on the New Year Honours list two years ago.
In her report into the financial crisis at Dundee University, Professor Pamela Gillies said she had received “many reports” that the principal “frequently demonstrated hubris, or excessive pride in his role”.
The expenses review by audit firm AAB was carried out to look at executive claims and purchase card use between 2021 and 2024.
While the level of the expenses is unlikely to have impacted the university’s overall financial health, insiders say they believe it shows a disregard for policies and poor financial stewardship.
It comes after The Courier previously revealed Mr Gillespie had enjoyed business class flights and stays in 5-star hotels.
The review was unable to conclude whether 90% of purchase card claims it reviewed – worth £87,000 – complied with university policy.
Just 4% of those examined were found to comply with policy, while around £6,000 of claims were found to breach rules.
Auditors find all accommodation purchases in breach of policy
The report says: “We identified that all the accommodation purchases were in breach of policy and were above maximum rate per
night threshold in both the UK and overseas.”
It also looked at 32 expense claims submitted by the then principal – who quit after revealing the institution was on the brink of financial crisis and would have to shed jobs.
The review, which was previously kept under wraps by the university, has now been shared with Holyrood’s education committee.
It reveals the majority of the 32 claims were classed as hospitality, including expensive dinners with university staff in contravention of policy.
Four of these, totalling nearly £450, were found to be in breach of university policy – all dinners with university staff.
The report says: “They were in relation to dinners with members of University of Dundee staff. They were in Broughty Ferry, Edinburgh, and Dundee…
“They all included alcoholic drinks and were only with staff members which is against the university policy.
“All of the out of policy expenses were for meals with various members of the university executive group.”
The Courier understands Mr Gillespie’s then deputy Professor Shane O’Neill was present at one of the dinners.
Another six claims totalling over £1,200 were deemed “inconclusive” – including a £400 dinner at the Caledonian Club – a London private member’s club.
The report says: “The amounts spent were over the approved maximum spend of £200 in total and or £50/head for each.
‘No evidence’ over-limit spending was agreed
“There was no evidence available to agree that the spend over this limit was approved by another dean or director before it was claimed, therefore we have deemed that the results for this are inconclusive.”
It adds: “A significant number of expense claims were out of policy and lacked proper documentation of the business rationale, which creates risks of non-compliance, misuse of funds and compromised financial oversight.”
His use of more expensive flights – despite university policy saying economy options should be used – is highlighted by the report.
Despite the chair of court having responsibility for approving the principal’s expenses, it found Mr Gillespie or his assistant sometimes approved his claims.
The review is included in the evidence received by the Scottish Parliament’s education committee ahead of evidence sessions with former executives this week.
We reported on Friday how this includes an auditors letter sent in April 2025 warning university there was concerns laws were being broken.
The Courier has made repeated attempts to contact Mr Gillespie.
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