University staff told 'don't worry' over crisis

A SENIOR member of the management team at troubled Abertay University has sought to reassure staff that they should not be "dismayed" by the furore over the enforced retirement of veteran principal Bernard King.

The university was rocked by fresh allegations earlier this week that acting principal Nicholas Terry had ordered an executive secretary to "spy" on Professor King in a "coup" at the Dundee institution.

Prof Terry, appointed as acting principal after Prof King was effectively sacked, was claimed to have instructed secretary Janice Walker to keep a track of Prof King's movements and to report anything which suggested he was plotting again the University Court.

The university has denied the allegations.

It was revealed yesterday that Prof Steve Olivier, the acting vice-principal, has written to staff about the latest media coverage.

He states: "The story makes unpleasant reading and it would be naive to suggest otherwise, but I wanted to offer you some context and some reassurance that we need not, indeed should not, allow ourselves to be dismayed by the situation."

Prof Olivier adds: "There is a perception that the recent negative press stories could destabilise the university and create a climate of fear and uncertainty.

"My second reassurance to you, therefore, is that I sincerely believe this is not happening. I see around me a confident, assured university."