Art college backs merger with university

Now Edinburgh University's ruling court is to decide at its meeting on Monday whether it, too, will support the joining the college and the university.

The move, which emerged in light of feared impending financial cuts, could happen by 2012.

ECA's board met on Tuesday and a majority voted, allowing the merger proposal to be submitted to the university's court.

Neither institution was prepared to discuss the decision, as both have agreed only to issue a joint statement after the university's meeting next week.

However, ECA alumni are furious. Dr Barbara Rae, chairwoman of the Alumni Association's council, said it was ill-advised to rush into a decision before the full extent of cuts was known.

She said: "We believe it imperative to safeguard the Edinburgh College of Art in the same way the Glasgow School of Art is respected and revered, both founded long ago to explore and promote originality in the arts."

The organisation fears the independence of the college, its name and reputation will be lost or diluted by the move.

Dr Rae added: "As Scotland emerges in a devolved nation with its own distinctive, dynamic, appealing culture, the loss of its independent art schools is a loss for all time. Once gone, they cannot be replicated."

A spokesman for ECA said: "At this point, we are not able to comment before the university court has had a chance to discuss the matter."

In February, ECA principal Professor Ian Howard sent a letter to staff explaining that the move was being examined in the light of the current economic situation.

At the time, he said the 250-year-old institution was already in a federation with the university and closer collaboration was "well worth exploring", as it could produce "very exciting possibilities for enhanced teaching, research and creative endeavour".

Moves to bring the institutions together have been mooted for decades, but any formal merger has previously been ruled out. As a joint institution, the two could make substantial savings by sharing facilities and services, such as human resources, libraries and student accommodation. Buildings made redundant could be sold off.

However, the ECA board has made it a condition of any merger that the name, campus and teaching independence must remain.

It is understood discussions are at a very early stage, and issues such as potential job losses have not yet been put on the table.However, a source indicated the move could lead to expansion of the teaching and research conducted at the art college.

The plan would require thorough examination of both institutions and close talks with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), which is supportive of mergers.

Should the merger be recommended by the two principals, the move would still require agreement of the two institutions' governing bodies, together with the SFC, which allocates government funding, and the Scottish Government's education secretary.

Widespread consultation is promised by the college and university before any changes are made, meaning any merger is unlikely before 2012.

Collaboration between the two institutions dates back to the 19th century, and a jointly taught degree in fine art has been offered since 1946.