Yup, Edinburgh University’s vice-chancellor lives rent-free in a mansion despite £420k pay

Erm, so the vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh is still living rent-free in a multimillion-pound house amid huge budget cuts and job losses.

The vice-chancellor and principal of the University 0f Edinburgh – who is currently Sir Peter Mathieson – gets to live in a large townhouse at the uni’s expense. The property has been estimated to be £2 million. It’s on Regent Terrace in New Town, which is often ranked as one of the most expensive streets in Scotland. The 34 houses are 200 years old, and are all listed buildings. His house has five bedrooms and four reception rooms, plus a kitchen and garden.

Regent Terrace in Edinburgh, where the vice-chancellor’s house is located
(Image via Google Maps)

The University of Edinburgh also covers the vice-chancellor’s bills for this property, including landscaping work and servicing the Aga cooker. The Edinburgh Tab found that between 1st August 2024 and 30th June 2025, the uni forked out £4,350 for the council tax bill, £2,027 for gas and  £2,457 for electricity. In 2023, Edinburgh University spent £3,000 on cleaning bills for the house, and £1,000 on eucalyptus trees.

These benefits are all in addition to Sir Peter Mathieson’s salary. The university’s accounts show he received a remuneration of £421,667 for 2024. At a meeting this summer, Sir Peter Mathieson claimed he didn’t know the exact amount he was paid.

The University of Edinburgh is aiming to make £140 million of budget cuts. The union fears this could result in up to 1,800 job losses. Staff went on strike over this in September.

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In June 2025, Sir Peter Mathieson said that selling this property or cutting back spending on bills was “not up to” him, and would only be a “tiny contribution to what is a massive challenge”.

A spokesperson for the University of Edinburgh previously told The Tab: “In common with many other universities, accommodation for the university’s principal and their immediate family is provided as part of the role.

“The principal’s residence was a gift donated to the university in 2015. The residence is not used solely as a family home but also as a venue for hosting formal University events to meet with an array of guests, such as international partners and other supporters. These events help to enhance the university’s reputation, strengthen our partnerships and potential funding streams.”

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Featured image of Sir Peter Mathieson via Edinburgh Alumni / YouTube. Featured image of Regent Terrace by Stephencdickson.