A proposed merger between the University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh College of Art has been attacked by influential Scottish figures, who have written a letter to Education Secretary Mike Russell urging him to block it.

The University of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh College of Art’s board of governors are meeting this month to discuss a detailed proposal on the merger. If the move is agreed by both boards there will be a formal proposal to the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish government which must approve the merger. The earliest date for merger would be 1 August 2011.

However, the proposal to combine the two registered charities has caused consternation amongst some leading Scottish artists and business leaders, who according to the Scotsman have written a letter to Scottish Education Secretary Russell.

The letter calls the proposed merger “rushed” and “secretive” and a “hostile takeover” and urges it to be blocked.

Among the 16 signatories on the letter are Stagecoach tycoon Brian Souter, Lady Mathewson, the wife of former RBS chairman Sir George Mathewson, and artist William Baillie.

The letter also reportedly warns that ratifying the merger could be "controversial during the Scottish election campaign".

An ECAS spokeswoman said the letter had been written before a full proposal for the merger had been published.

According to the University of Edinburgh’s website the proposed merger will achieve academic and financial benefits for both institutions.