Edinburgh University’s Sports and Exercise team has spent nearly £500 on hairdryers since last year.
A freedom of information request from The Tab Edinburgh found that a total of £494.46 was spent on electronics for the university’s sports facilities.
In total, 12 new hairdryers were purchased between January 1st 2024 and June 3rd 2025 across the university’s sports facilities at The Pleasance Gym, Peffermill Playing Fields, and St Leonard’s Lands.
A third year University of Edinburgh student, Emma, was shocked by the total and called the spending “mental”.
Another third year student and frequent user of the gym, Katie , believed that the total was relatively low for the amount of hairdryers bought, asking “Is that all?”.
Emma just said: “What a waste. You can for sure get pretty good ones for like £20”.
At least it’s the cheaper version… (Image: Amazon)
The University of Edinburgh has previously been criticised for unnecessary spending, including the flight expenses of Vice Principal Peter Mathieson, or over £1000 spent on works for a eucalyptus tree in Sir Peter’s £1.5 million New Town mansion.
Staff at the university launched their first wave of strike action today amid a funding crisis which could see jobs and departments cut in order to plug the £140 million deficit Sir Peter has said the university faces.
A Sports and Exercise team spokesperson said: “We don’t have a formal comment to share on this.
“However, we can confirm that these items were purchased as part of standard upgrades to our sports facilities, to help ensure that they are maintained to levels expected by our members and visitors.”
