University of Edinburgh to discuss merger with art college

Thu 18 Feb 2010

The principals of the University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh College of Art are to meet to discuss a merger proposal.

According to Professor Ian Howard, principal of the Edinburgh College of Art, the two institutions already work together in a "highly successful" academic federation.

As a result, he believes the potential that a closer collaboration could offer is "well worth exploring", as it could increase the quality of teaching and create more research opportunities.

Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, principal of the University of Edinburgh, added that a merger would also produce a "collective range of expertise and excellence" that could lead to a wide range of opportunities for staff, students and the creative arts in Scotland.

However, both institutions have insisted that no decision will be made until after a full consultation with employees, while the Scottish government and the Scottish Funding Council would also have to approve any merger plan.

Stephen Hart of Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors said: "This is good news for the two institutions.

"However, mergers between higher education institutions are tricky and many do not come to fruition.

"Our experience is that the two parties to a merger must work to ensure that governance, staffing and estates issues do not undo what looks on paper to be a sound proposition."