University of Edinburgh spent £40K on car for use by VC Peter Mathieson and senior managers

The University of Edinburgh bought a car costing more than £40,000 for use by its vice-chancellor, Peter Mathieson.

A staff member told The Edinburgh Dot that the Lexus ES is owned by the University of Edinburgh and was recorded as a “Support Services” vehicle.

When it was purchased in 2023, the Lexus ES had a retail price ranging from £40,010 to £58,055, according to Lexus. This places it among the most expensive vehicles in the university’s fleet.

Lexus ES, via YouTube

A Freedom of Information request showed the Lexus ES listed under “Support Services” vehicles. Other vehicles in this category include a tractor, transit vans and a forklift. The identified Lexus is the only one of its kind owned by the University of Edinburgh. The vehicle is used by university staff, including the principal, other senior leaders, and key guests and visitors.

A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: “As with many other large organisations, a university car is available for use by key external visitors and guests, as well as senior staff.

“All vehicles purchased by the university go through appropriate procurement procedures to ensure long-term viability, cost-effectiveness and that they meet our sustainability principles.”

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Questions about the car’s use follow a series of reports into Peter Mathieson’s expenses. In April 2025, The National reported that the University of Edinburgh spent £31,861 on flights for the vice-chancellor between October 2023 and June 2024, with more than 90 per cent of the tickets booked in business class.

The newspaper also found that a further £11,340 was spent during the same period on Sir Mathieson’s taxi fares, public transport and accommodation.

This comes as the University of Edinburgh faces criticism over plans to reduce spending by £140 million to address what it describes as a “funding black hole.”

In September, it was also reported that a course within the School of Geosciences was cancelled mid-semester as part of cost-cutting measures.

In response to travel expenses, a spokesperson said: “The university of Edinburgh contributes around £7.5 billion to the UK economy each year. International visits, UK-wide travel and associated expenses are tied to strategic projects and partnerships, including fundraising and alumni engagement, many of which are the result of years of work by our academic and professional staff.

“Senior leaders’ involvement in these events is vital, reinforcing the University’s position as a globally-significant institution and its ongoing commitment to delivering positive impact worldwide.”

Featured image via YouTube