Critics slam college-uni merger plan
Stagecoach tycoon Brian Souter, artist William Baillie, Lady Mathewson, the wife of former RBS chairman Sir George, and arts impresario Richard Demarco are among the signatories of a letter to education minister Mike Russell urging him to block the plans.
The principals of the ECA and University of Edinburgh believe substantial costs could be saved in the long-run, however the signatories' strongly worded letter criticised the process, saying it has been "rushed", "secretive" and amounted to a "hostile" takeover, adding that some staff have already left in protest.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government confirmed the letter to the education minister has been received.