STRATHCLYDE University is a fine higher education institution with an excellent record in research and teaching.

However, the University is in danger of throwing away this reputation because of a series of insensitive and unjustifiable decisions.

Throughout the UK, household budgets are tight, living standards have been falling, and pay rises have been kept to a minimum.

In this context, it is essential for chief executives in the private and public sectors to lead by example and make sacrifices.

However, not only did Strathclyde spend £1.2million on a five-story townhouse for the principal's personal use, but the University then spent another £339,000 overhauling the luxury property.

At a time of belt-tightening, spending over £140,000 on "refurbishment", nearly £4,000 on a wardrobe and endless amounts of cash on home improvements is, frankly, an outrage.

Similarly, University principal Sir Jim McDonald benefited from a 7% pay rise in 2013/14, a hike that took his pay package to £334,000 and which made him the best paid higher education leader in Scotland.

His salary far exceeds the package enjoyed by either First Minister Nicola Sturgeon or Prime Minister David Cameron.

Today's revelations, if anything, cast doubt of the anachronism of the public purse continuing to fund 'grace and favour' residences for university principals.

Local authority and NHS chief executives are not provided with luxury homes, so why should the higher education sector be different?

In 2010, the taxpayer was shocked by the greed and cynicism of MPs' expenses claims, which covered everything from duck ponds to a moat claim.

McDonald hasn't claimed anything for the mansion - the bills were paid directly by the University - but the public will inevitably compare the townhouse spending with the pampering of MPs.

Meanwhile, MSPs are currently discussing long-overdue plans to democratise the governance of higher education.

The reforms would increase scrutiny of controversial spending decisions and, given today's revelations, should be implemented as quickly as possible.