Dundee University’s former finance director ended a gruelling session in front of parliament’s education committee by conceding the crisis is the product of failed leadership.
In a marathon four-hour evidence session, the university’s former court chair, chief operating officer and finance chiefs faced MSPs’ questions on the university’s near collapse.
The crisis has so far cost the public purse some £62 million – and politicians were determined to find out how the disastrous mismanagement identified in the independent probe had occurred.
Those still at the university tuned in live at a specially organised watch party.
We take a look at the key moments and revelations.
1. Apology – but former chair leaves MSPs unimpressed
Dr Jim McGeorge – the former chief operating officer who quit earlier this year after 16 years – started his evidence saying he was “deeply sorry”.
He told MSPs: “I tried to do my very best for the university in good conscience and on the basis of the info that was available to me.
“Where I’ve been wanting or fallen short personally or collectively I am deeply and unreservedly sorry.”
But former court chair Amanda Millar left MSPs unimpressed after she failed to offer an unreserved apology despite being given an opportunity to do so in the opening question.
Ms Millar repeatedly conceded there were areas where governance had fell short and “missed opportunities”, but insisted she had done the best with the information available to her.
She said simply she was “frustrated and saddened” at what she had since learned.
Those MSPs leading the questioning remain unconvinced, telling The Courier she had not explained why she had not questioned the lack of finance information.
Former finance boss Peter Fotheringham says he takes his share of responsibility.
The Gillies report findings were clear “and I accept those”, he says.
2. Iain Gillespie blamed for toxic culture
After criticism by Pamela Gillies of the university’s culture, all three witnesses were asked about reports challenge was discouraged and punished.
Former principal Iain Gillespie was ominous by his absence and was repeatedly blamed by the witnesses.
Asked who was to blame, all three conceded the culture “came from the top” and was led by Iain Gillespie.
Professor Gillespie is due to give evidence at 8:30am on Thursday.
3. Was Wendy Alexander pay-off bid criminal?
Dr McGeorge was asked about evidence from former vice principal international Baroness Wendy Alexander that she was offered a pay-out and trips overseas at the university’s expense after she challenged the then principal.
Dr Jim McGeorge was asked by Douglas Ross if these were “enticements” to convince his colleague to leave her job after tensions.
But he claimed he was asked to enter into exit discussions with Lady Wendy due to “disagreements” between her and Professor Gillespie about future international strategy.
But confusingly he said this offer included a role heading up recruitment in North America.
Mr Ross said he confused why, given the stated disagreements about international strategy, the university would offer to fund a trip to the US to head up a key part of this work.
He added: “These were trips to get someone to leave”.
Dr McGeorge said it would be wrong to perceive it that way.
Asked if his attempt to move Lady Wendy on with university funds could be criminal, he said: “If that was the case – I’m not a lawyer – it may well be, but that simply was not the case.”
4. Jim McGeorge fails to impress
As well as Amanda Millar, Dr McGeorge also faced repeated criticism from MSPs for some of his answers. He was told he had attempted to shift the blame and minimise his role.
His answer to a question about why red flags in the finances caused an incredulous George Adam MSP to interrupt, saying: “With the greatest of respect, you nearly tanked the university. You nearly tanked one of the oldest universities in Scotland.
“I don’t understand how people like yourselves can get yourself into that position with all the checks and mechanisms in place. Surely you’re not telling us something.”
Both Dr McGeorge and Mr Fotheringham had another challenging moment when they quizzed on the broken bank covenants – the university’s agreements with its bank that sets out the financial conditions it will abide by.
The two men claimed they “did not know” these breaches should have been reported to the Scottish Funding Council.
5. Spending of AI windfall millions ‘surprising’
One of the moments which most surprised staff watching on was the admission about the spending of the £40 million windfall from the sale of share from AI spin out Exscientia.
Bosses at the time claimed the cash had been ringfenced and would be protected and spent on the university’s strategic priorities rather than day-to-day spending.
Dr Jim McGeorge, who had sign of on the spending, left Dundee-based MSP Michael Marra visibly shocked when he said he was surprised the £40 million was gone.
“Suddenly you were surprised it was gone, despite the fact you were the person sanctioning the expenditure?,” Mr Marra asked.
Dr McGeorge told the Labour MSP: “The university spent it. I invested it in projects that I believed were the right projects to invest in.”
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