Uni merger wins approval

THE University of Edinburgh has given the green light to a merger with the College of Art.

The university's governing body, the University Court approved the move yesterday.

Last week the board of the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) also voted to back the plan.

Supporters say the move will safeguard the college's financial future. But critics, including ECA governor Robert Robertson, say the proposals have been rushed and an alternative business model has not been fully considered.