Elmwood: learning lessons?

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A consultation has been launched by SRUC that is looking “into future economic growth opportunities in North East Fife, focused on Elmwood Campus.” Campaigners for the Elmwood site have expressed their skepticism and are calling for feedback from communities across north-east Fife to ensure “the people’s voice is heard“.

The SRUC study will be led by Professor Sir Ian Boyd, the former UK Chief Scientific Advisor at Defra. Sir Ian “will explore how – over the next ten years – SRUC can harness local and national strengths to maximise economic impact, innovation, skills development, and community benefit in and around Cupar and north-east Fife.”

‘Extensive consultation’

The study promises “extensive consultation” with eight stakeholder groups, namely …

  1. Staff
  2. Students
  3. The local community
  4. Elected representatives
  5. Local authorities
  6. Colleges and universities
  7. Research institutes and
  8. Key businesses connected to the natural economy and golf sector

Once complete, the study will report formally to SRUC by the end of March – with “findings to be shared publicly alongside SRUC’s response”.

Facing challenges?

But those campaigning against what has been a gradual stripping out and scaling back of all delivery at Elmwood say the consultation is “too little, too late” and fear it will be used simply to justify what many see as SRUC’s “inevitable closure of the Cupar site“.

They cite December’s announcement by SRUC that a world-first BSc (Hons) in sustainable golf course management would launch at the Fife site – only for confirmation to be made that this will be “online only” as further evidence that backs their concerns. When the course was announced, SRUC Principal, Wayne Powell, said he hoped the news of the world-first course would end “persistent misconceptions” surrounding the campus’ future. To the campaigners, those words now seem hollow.

Having visited the site this week and seen the sad state of the boarded-up buildings, it is hard to disagree with their view.

Reports quote SRUC as saying the online distance learning approach means students from across Scotland already employed at golf courses can take part – adding that it also opens the door to potential international students. Campaigners highlight that “only a handful of students” remain on full-time, face-to-face courses at Elmwood.

Elmwood’s main building is closed and boarded up and there appear to be no plans to reopen it. The site’s student accommodation block (below) is also closed.

Campaigners were told in December it is now all excess space.

The future of Elmwood’s golf course is also unclear: put up for sale three years ago, it was taken off the market in 2024. According to campaigners, published Board Meeting minutes state the golf course was no longer required and – should it be sold – it would not negatively impact the teaching and learning experience.

Dead ends?

Almost two years ago (March 2024), Elie & Earlsferry Community Council submitted a Participation Request to SRUC with the aim of becoming involved in the SRUC decision-making process. They hoped to work with them through an ‘Outcome Improvement Process’ to create a new vision for Elmwood – and “seek improved outcomes for the students and staff“.

Previous experience had been gained though a successful submission of a Participation Request to NHS Fife. Campaigners worked in conjunction with St Andrews Community Council over an 18-month period to improve outcomes for patients attending the Out-of-Hours service and Minor Injuries Unit at St Andrews Community hospital.

However, SRUC closed the Participation Request down following a 2-hour workshop and was unwilling to create a working group to take forward an Outcome Improvement process.

Have your say …

It is clear that many have significant attachments to Elmwood, the campus, the courses it used to offer and the staff who delivered the same.

We shared a short video on our social channels to show the sorry state of the properties and campus; it had more than 10,000 views in just a few hours. A handful of comments from our audiences …

“In its day, one of the best colleges around. There seems to be a great fondness for this college from previous students. The evening classes were so busy. All sorts of subjects offered. It had a great reputation for the best green keepers, farmers, gardeners etc. Such a sorry state now.“

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“I did my access to Dundee Uni at Elmwood back in the early 2000 as a single mum ….. Best year of my life…… Fast forward 25 years I live in Sydney Australia living my best life because of what that course helped me achieve academically….. I hope it can get back to what it once was for the community“

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“This makes me sad I had some happy times at elmwood college and met some wonderful people. I wouldn’t have my career today without the education, support and opportunities Elmwood provided me with. The lecturers were so supportive and helpful. So sad to see it end up this way“

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“Despicable! I learnt to type and do shorthand at the portacabins set up in the grounds of Elmwood before the building was erected. Then years on I entered the building for weekly evening classes to gain 110 words per minute shorthand. My working life began around that building. Despicable the way it has been treated!“

Feel free to comment on our social post and we will share with those campaigning for the Campus’ future.

We will also continue to share updates when we receive them – and hope that can include ways for those interested in the campus’ future to comment more formally.

 

Need more?

The study into Elmwood was announced at Holyrood this week at the Education, Children and Young People Committee. You can find more via this link including being able to download the meeting’s related documents.

 

 

Thank you for reading. 

Please feel free to share with all who might be interested.