Landex chief executive Chris Moody said: "This is a result of educational policy in Scotland rather than a decision between individual institutions, which is different from other recent mergers."
Northern Ireland colleges merged to become CAFRE a decade ago and Welsh colleges WCH and Llysfasi joined with Deeside in 2009-10. In England, a merger between Easton and Otley colleges was imminent, Moody said.
The Scottish colleges seemed to be behind the merger, he added. But he warned that because they were geographically distant, specialisation could mean that some learners will have to travel long distances.
The Scottish NFU said the merger was likely to deliver the best outcome in supporting the principle of developing centres of excellence. But it warned: "This should not lock the colleges out of more general education provision."
The Going Further consultation closed on 7 May and the Scottish Government is to announce a decision later this month. See www.goingfurther.org.uk.
