Scottish Gladiator nominated to be Dundee University's next rector

A Scottish Gladiator has been put forward as one of the candidates for the role of Rector at Dundee University.

Sheli McCoy, who is known as Sabre on the rebooted hit show Gladiators, has been nominated for the elected senior position.

The Tayside bodybuilder is one of four people campaigning to represent student interests on the university campus.

Current rector Keith Harris has held the role for three years and is running for a second consecutive term.

Scottish Green Party MSP Maggie Chapman is also up for election after being vocal about the university’s financial struggles.

The Vice President of Academia for DUSA, Mubarak Babalola, has also been put forward for the role.

The news of rector candidates comes days after it was revealed that Dundee University is set to cut over 600 full-time jobs in a bid to address a £35m deficit.

The university had previously announced a major financial crisis in 2024, citing the severe drop in international student recruitment, structural underfunding of higher education, and cost increases as contributing factors.

First Minister John Swinney said on Wednesday that as well as causing “enormous concern” for members of staff, the news could also have a “significant effect” on the Dundee and Tayside economies.

Voting for the new Rector will begin on Friday, March 14, and close on Friday, March 21, with all University of Dundee students eligible to cast their ballots.

A candidate debate night will be held on Friday at 6pm in Dalhousie Lecture Theatre 1.