Bosses at Aberdeen University, which unions claim is denying its staff fair pay, are to spend nearly £100,000 on champagne and fine wine.
The university was last night criticised by one union – whose members are locked in battle with the institution about pay rises – over the “outrageous” amount.
But the seat of learning defended the spending, which amounts to nearly £270 a day over the next year, and said it will actually make the institution a huge profit.
It said that its status as a “major commercial event venue” warranted the purchase and that it could net them £2million in revenue.
Details of the contract – which is worth an “estimated” £96,102 – have been published on the Public Contracts Scotland website.
“The university’s largest spend on wines is on 75cl bottles of red, white and rose options and a selection of sparkling wines and champagnes,” it states.
“The contract will initially be for a one-year period. The period of contract may be followed by an extension of a further three 12-month periods, subject to a satisfactory performance.”
Tommy Campbell, of the Unison union, said rubbing fine wines and champagne in the faces of his members was a step too far.
Protests have been held in recent weeks at the university, with angry staff claiming they are being taken for granted by being offered below-inflation pay rises of 1%.
“This amount of money is outrageous when workers are being told to rein in their spending,” said Mr Campbell. “I find this totally unacceptable.”
A spokeswoman for the university said the purchase was necessary for the large number of events that take place on campus, including conferences and evening dinners for corporate clients.
She added that the supply could last them for three years.
“The university is a major commercial event venue. And our wonderful buildings and delightful setting make us a very popular wedding venue all year round,” she said.
“Our anticipated revenue for commercial event activity over that period is over £2million. And any surpluses we generate are reinvested into further improving the student experience at Aberdeen.”