This morning the merger of Edinburgh College of Art with the University of Edinburgh came a step closer, with a £14 million funding boost.
The two institutions have now made a joint statement on the merger plans, which now only need approval from the Scottish parliament.
They make no comment on education secretary Mike Russell's criticism of ECA's financial situation.
Sir Timothy O'Shea, principal of the University of Edinburgh, said:
"If the merger gets the backing of the Scottish parliament, then this will lead to a step-change in academic collaboration between our two institutions, bringing considerable benefits to students, the arts and creative industries and, more widely, to Scottish higher education, society and the economy."
Professor Ian Howard, principal of Edinburgh College of Art, said:
"We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of the proposal and responded to the consultation. A lot of hard work still lies ahead in order to make any merger a success for both the college and the university, but this is a very important step on the way."
Do you study at either the university or ECA? Have your say below.
