A probe is under way after a senior role at Robert Gordon University was filled by the principal's business partner, with whom he owns a £12m castle in Ireland.

Principal Ferdinand von Prondznski is being investigated by an internal panel at the Aberdeen-based university over concerns raised by a whistleblower.

The Press and Journal reported a complaint had been made to the university on Monday that Professor von Prondznksi and new vice-principal Gordon McConnell had not declared their business dealings together.

The connection was not published in the minutes of the university's board meeting last December or its academic council in March.

The newspaper revealed Prof von Prondznski and Prof McConnell are the only directors in a firm involved in the ownership of Knockdrin Castle and estate in County Westmeath, Ireland.

Last year, the 18th-century Gothic castle - Prof von Prondznski's family home - was put on the market for €13.5m (£11.8m).

A spokeswoman for Robert Gordon University said: "The university is aware of the matter.

"We are following our public interest review policy procedure and are therefore not in a position to comment at this stage."