Three members of university court to resign

THREE members of the ruling court at a university, thought to be the first in Scotland to suspend its principal, are to resign.

A spokesman for Abertay University in Dundee confirmed the move last night but would not reveal their names or reasons for resigning.

It comes after the suspension of principal Professor Bernard King, which followed the suspension of the vice principal Nicholas Terry. It is understood Prof King was suspended after a disagreement with the ruling court over extending his employment after he reaching official retirement age.

Last month, Prof Terry was reinstated by the university authorities and has returned as acting principal. The reasons for his suspension were never disclosed.

A university spokesman last night said: "I can confirm that three members of the University Court have intimated their intention to resign from court, although the university has not yet received confirmation in writing."