ATL

Merger for Glasgow colleges approved

31 August 2010

Ministers have approved the merger of three Glasgow colleges, the country's Department of Education has announced.

As of September 1st, Glasgow's Nautical, Central and Metropolitan Colleges will become the City of Glasgow College.

Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Keith Brown MSP said: "Full consideration was given to the complexity of this proposal. We are a listening and open government, which is why we listened to the views of a broad range of interested parties including MSPs, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the trade unions."

He noted that ministers were in agreement with the SFC, which believes the merger will benefit students.

Mr Brown added that there are likely to be no compulsory redundancies, adding that it will provide a significant economic boost for the city and provide a great learning experience for staff and students.

This historic merger is the first involving three colleges. Other recent mergers have involved just two institutions.

In related news, it was announced earlier this month that construction is now underway on Forth Valley College's new £29 million Stirling campus.