THE University of Edinburgh has been urged to reverse the closure of three 'vital' degrees in a move which critics say would be a “devastating loss” for Scotland’s cultural sector.
Scottish Greens culture spokesperson Q Manivannan has lodged a motion at Holyrood opposing plans to close the Jewellery and Silversmithing, Textiles and Performance Costume undergraduate programmes at Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).
The three courses will close to new admissions from 2027, with existing students allowed to complete their degrees.
Manivannan’s motion, which has attracted cross-party support, calls on the university to halt the process and publish the case behind the closures before taking any “irreversible steps”.
A petition launched by Craft Scotland opposing the decision has also attracted more than 10,000 signatures.
The motion states that the three programmes are the last undergraduate craft degrees offered by ECA and highlights the role graduates have gone on to play in the creative industries, including as costume designers on major television productions.
Manivannan said: “Edinburgh College of Art has nurtured generations of extraordinarily talented artists, makers and designers. These proposed closures would be a devastating loss for Edinburgh, and for Scotland’s cultural life.
“These courses teach specialist skills, develop creative talent and provide routes into sustainable careers across craft, fashion, theatre, film and television.
“At a time when so much of our lives and work is becoming automated, human creativity, practical expertise and cultural knowledge, all taught through these courses, have never been more valuable.”
The University of Edinburgh has said the decision followed a “rigorous analysis of multiple data points” and was intended to support the “resilience and sustainability” of ECA’s wider operations.
It said specialist skills, expertise and technical facilities associated with the programmes would be retained, with some specialist courses continuing to be offered as electives to students in other programmes.
However, Manivannan warned that specialist teaching and expertise could be difficult to rebuild once lost.
“These are the last three craft-based undergraduate programmes remaining at ECA,” they said.
“Not only do we lose these precious courses, but we know all too well that when specialist teaching, workshops and communities of expertise like these are dismantled, they are almost impossible to recreate.
“The University must listen to students, staff, alumni and Scotland’s creative sector and reverse this deeply short-sighted decision.”
Manivannan said they were in contact with around 180 alumni opposed to the closures and called on MSPs from across Holyrood to back the campaign.
They also called for Holyrood’s Education Committee to consider whether further scrutiny was needed of university decisions which could have a lasting impact on Scotland’s cultural and educational landscape.
“The strength of public support shows how much these courses mean to people in Scotland and around the world,” Manivannan added.
“I encourage everyone who values our craft heritage and creative future to sign the petition and ask their MSPs to stand with the campaign.”
