THE LECTURER whose statements on race and paedophilia have attracted widespread criticism was sacked by Edinburgh University yesterday for ''disgraceful conduct''.

The decision over Chris Brand by university Principal Sir Stewart Sutherland follows a lengthy investigation and the conclusion of a tribunal set up by the university court.

It unanimously found proven the main charge that aspects of the lecturer's conduct, and particular his comments on paedophilia, had been ''of a disgraceful nature, incompatible with duties of (his) office or employment''.

Lancashire-born Mr Brand 53, who has taught at the university for 26 years, first attracted student boycotts last year over a book, subsequently withdrawn by the publishers, which claimed black people were less intelligent than whites.

He was told to modify his teaching style after an internal inquiry which he described as a witch hunt.

Last November, he was suspended after publicly expressing views that some forms of paedophilia were harmless and supporting the Nobel science laureate Daniel Gajdusek who faced charges of abusing young boys.

Sir Stewart said his decision was not a case of suppressing free speech.

''This is in no sense a conclusion which inhibits the entirely proper exercise of academic freedom under which academic staff must be able to undertake exacting research, carefully assess the evidence and publish and speak about their conclusions,'' he said.

The Principal said the university had never sought to censor Mr Brand's researched conclusions on ethnic background and intelligence.

''Indeed we went out of our way defend his right to express them in a reasoned manner, however unpopular it was for the university to make that case.

''But it was made clear to him, well before he publicised views on paedophilia, that he also had responsibilities to act with care, whether in a departmental, teaching or wider situation - advice which he apparently chose to ignore,'' Sir Stewart said.

The tribunal stated: ''What makes Mr Brand's case extraordinary, and his statement on paedophilia different from the general case, is the way he has courted further controversy and showed a desire to pursue his own goals at the expense of others.

'' ...It appears his remarks were clearly chosen to inflame an already difficult situation through a serious of deliberate actions. The effect was to undermine completely any of the remaining trust and confidence which members of the department of psychology

might have had in Mr Brand as a colleague.''

Sir Stewart said he reached his decision after careful consideration of the tribunal's findings and recommendations.

''I see no case for continuing to employ such a member of staff at this university, effectively at the expense of others carrying out their duties, and at a continuing cost to what is, ultimately, the public purse,'' he said.

Mr Brand has attracted some support from those repelled by his views who still defended his right to express them. He has also made extensive use of the Internet to make his views known to a wider audience.

Security guards were posted outside the psychology department yesterday and denied access to Mr Brand's office.

However, in response to a telephone call, he said: ''I am not speaking to the press today. I will issue a statement on Monday.''

He has 28 days to lodge an appeal. This would be heard by a senior lawyer or judge appointed by the university court.

News of his dismissal was welcomed by Ms Nicola Owen, of the university branch of the Anti-Nazi League.

''We are overjoyed. This is a really big victory for the students who campaigned to get rid of him from the university,'' she said.

The president of the Edinburgh University Student Association, Mr Bob Dalrymple, said: ''We are glad to see an end to the whole affair.

''It has been a cloud hanging over the university and we welcome the decision that has been reached.''

Mr Brand's dismissal is without recent precedent. His was the first case to be brought at Edinburgh under new procedures for its disciplinary code introduced in 1988.

He is not a member of the Association of University Teachers.

However, its Scottish spokesman, Mr David Bleiman, said such procedures for dealing with expression of controversial views were robust and should prevent an injustice or breach of academic freedom.