Lorraine Kelly 'shocked' by 'disgraceful' scandal at Dundee University

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has said she’s “absolutely shocked” by the “disgraceful” financial scandal at Dundee University.

Speaking to STV News on Friday, the 65-year-old Glasgow-born TV star said she’s “heartbroken” and “really angry” about it as well.

“It’s shameful what’s happened and what’s been allowed to happen,” Kelly said.

“I have been absolutely shocked by the incompetence.”

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‘Incompetent’ former Dundee University principal considers returning £150,000 payout

The First Minister was speaking after Professor Iain Gillespie was grilled by a Holyrood committee.

Kelly served as the rector of the University of Dundee about 20 years ago, from 2004 to 2007. It’s a role she said she remains very proud of.

She added: “Where was the accountability? It’s an absolute disgrace, it really is. And there are a lot of questions still to be asked.”

Kelly celebrated her 40th year in television in 2024. She is the host of an STV daytime talk show, Lorraine, which she has presented since 2010.

She said issues in Dundee are close to her heart.

Kelly said: “I feel very invested in what’s going on, and I’m actually really angry about it as well. Hopefully it’s going to get sorted and it won’t happen again.”

In December, the university announced that hundreds of jobs could be lost due to a £35m blackhole.

An investigation published last week found serious concerns over governance and transparency at the highest levels.

Led by Professor Pamela Gillies, the review found that the ex-principal and other senior leaders at Dundee University breached ethics rules, ignored financial red flags, and operated in “isolation of facts”.

“I’m actually really heartbroken about what’s happening at Dundee University, especially as it’s graduation right now and there are all these bright, hopeful, young people who are going to do wonderful things in the world,” Kelly said.

“To think that might not happen in the future is devastating.

“We have to do everything we can to save the university, to make sure it keeps going, to make sure jobs are retained, and that people can still have the university in the city because the two are so linked.”

On Thursday, the university’s former principal Professor Iain Gillespie told MSPs he would consider returning a £150,000 payment he received when he stepped down after admitting he had been “incompetent”.