Edinburgh institutions agree to merge
Two prestigious higher education institutions in Edinburgh have agreed to merge.
Edinburgh University and Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) have decided to join together.
ECA's board of governors met on 21 September and agreed to the plan. Six days later, the university's ruling court met and also consented.
The full proposal will now be submitted to the Scottish government and the Scottish Funding Council for approval.
Education Minister Michael Russell will receive the document, and the university expects him to open a 12-week public consultation period.
A final decision is not expected until February 2011.
Edinburgh University was founded in 1583 is regularly ranked among the leading 50 universities in the world.
Edinburgh College of Art was founded in 1907 and has about 1,700 full-time students.