Since then, the Cupar-based institution has seen a range of cuts and building closures.
Now, campaigners fighting to preserve the college say SRUC bosses, which manage a number of campuses across Scotland, must provide greater transparency and access to information.
Elmwood College’s main building was shut last spring, after SRUC management said the “structurally compromised” site costs £1.2m to operate each year.
This was followed by the closure of the campus’ animal care unit, which was described as a ‘devastating blow’ by local MSP Willie Rennie.
Students at SRUC also hit out at the decision, with members of the institution’s student association stating: “We contest the idea that appropriate steps were taken in the decision-making process, and believe the decision fails in considering the long-lasting impact on students, staff lecturers and the wider community.
“Once again students and staff find themselves forced to bear the brunt end of a devastating decision at the hands of SRUC’s Senior Management.”
A spokesperson for the campaign group told The Herald that the college once employed more than 380 staff and supported around 5,300 learners in a range of settings across Fife.
However, they added: “By April 2025, the main building and accommodation were closed and the majority of courses, staff and students were gone.”
“[We] represent individuals and organisations in the community, and are working to stop the sale of Elmwood, its assets and the land secured in 1953 to serve the local community, provide access to education and support the local economy.”
A spokesperson for SRUC said that there were no plans to sell the campus.
Speaking to The Herald, Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Fife Willie Rennie said that years of ‘salami slicing’ had crippled the ‘once-proud’ institution.
Rennie remarked: “Elmwood is a shadow of a once proud educational institution in the heart of North East Fife. The salami slicing over many years means that the number of staff and students has shrunk dramatically.
“A large part of this is because of the cuts in funding from the Scottish Government which has affected many colleges and universities across the country. Yet the cuts have disproportionately affected SRUC and Elmwood.
He added: “I have campaigned for more funding and to save the courses and buildings at Elmwood. I have been urging the leadership of SRUC for years to develop a long term and positive vision for the campus which can give local people, students and staff hope for the future.
“I have been very direct and firm with the leadership of SRUC including at a recent board meeting. It is important that they understand their responsibilities but also the opportunities presented by the Cupar and North East Fife area.”
In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, campaigners echoed these concerns, noting:
“Today the College is now a shadow of its former self with the main building and student accommodation lying empty and closed down.
“Students who attended Animal Care courses at Elmwood are now being taken by bus across Scotland to other sites and those who have been unable to do this for family or other reasons, have had to give up on their course.
They noted that the government had a financial reserve of £700 million in 2023/24, writing: “We feel that it is imperative that some of this reserve funding is utilised to relieve the financial crisis that universities and colleges have found themselves in through a reduction over the years in government funding.
“A poorly educated Scotland, compounded by the loss of critically needed land-and-food-based skills. will have a greatly diminished future.”
In a statement, Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said that the institution was “committed to retaining a presence in Elmwood”.
“Elmwood House and Elmwood’s Horticultural facilities remain open for business at the campus and through these facilities, alongside distance learning options, SRUC offers a number of courses to students in Fife, including Rural Skills, Countryside Management, Gamekeeping and more.
“Furthermore, we are working extensively with the community to maximise opportunities for our students in the region, including through partnership working with local organisations.”
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Powell said that SRUC’s “current focus” is to “modernise our courses”, noting that a new degree course in Sustainable Golf Operations at Elmwood is in development.
He added: “Christine Milburn, our Director of Strategic Delivery and Growth, is taking on responsibility as Community Contact for Elmwood.
“As part of this role, Christine has been liaising with Willie Rennie and community groups to ensure we remain engaged on the ground in Cupar as we progress our plans for the campus.”