Glasgow colleges must wait for merger decision

Scottish ministers will not make a decision on plans to merge three colleges into a super college until the end of the summer.

Glasgow's Nautical, Metropolitan and Central colleges have submitted plans for a merger to the Scottish Government, seeking approval by 1 August but have been told a decision will not be made until 1 September.

Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister Keith Brown said mergers were "complex" and went on: "It is only right and fair that we take our time and consider the proposal in full before making a decision."

He stressed: "I want to be clear that we have not made up our mind on whether to approve the merger or not.

"We owe it to the city of Glasgow, college staff, students, businesses, trade unions and all other stakeholders to fully consider the proposal."

While Mr Brown said the Government had heard many views on the proposed merger, some key people and organisations would not be readily available during the holiday period.