A SCOTTISH university stands accused of “penny-pinching” after it cut availability of free period products at one of its busiest sites.

The University of Edinburgh has removed free sanitary products from a number of toilets at its Main Library on George Square, where they have been replaced with signs pointing users to the facilities where they are available.

They are now available in toilets on just three of the building’s eight floors, whereas previously the products were available on at least six.

Under the Period Products Act 2021, championed by Labour MSP Monica Lennon, local authorities and education providers are legally required to make period products available free of charge.

But the university announced the cuts despite its obligations being backed with £132,250 of Scottish government cash.

One student said the move is “punishing those students suffering period poverty.”

Ms Lennon warned: “Universities must comply with the law and maintain easy, dignified access to these essential products.”

Edinburgh University University & College Union (UCU) president Sophia Woodman said: “Staff have been repeatedly told that a reduction in the salaries of the highest paid, including the VC who earns above £400,000 per year, would have a negligible impact on reaching management’s targets to reduce the university’s expenditure in the current cost-cutting exercise.

“Now we see penny-pinching like this, which hits the poorest staff and students the hardest.

“UCU Edinburgh finds this entirely unacceptable. Cuts to the salaries of top earners would more than cover providing a sufficient supply of period products in university property, as required by law.”

The university said: “Any changes to availability within specific toilet facilities will be communicated to those affected.”