Elmwood cuts prompt vote of no confidence in SRUC management by college staff
Staff at Scotland's rural college have sent management an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the wake of Elmwood cuts.
A lack of planning and investment at the Cupar campus was cited as one of the main reasons for the move.
Lecturers say SRUC decisions have led to 'a shocking decline of Elmwood Campus and the removal of a viable programme'.
All Elmwood animal care courses will cease at the end of this academic year and the Cupar campus main building will close.
The vote was taken at a recent EIS teaching union branch meeting after last month's announcement.
Pay grievances and uncertainty around other courses were also raised.
North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie says he is not surprised by the outcome.
And he revealed his confidence in SRUC management has also been knocked.
Elmwood animal care courses were axed despite a high-profile campaign.
College principal and chief executive Wayne Powell said on April 24 the main building, where animal care is housed, is structurally deteriorating and too expensive to fix.
Mr Rennie, along with devastated students, then branded an eight-week staff consultation 'a sham'.
On Thursday, the Liberal Democrat MSP added: 'This vote of no confidence in the management team at SRUC sends a very powerful message, especially as the level of support it received was so overwhelming.
'I'm not surprised staff across the SRUC feel this way as my confidence in the management has been knocked over their decisions around the future of Elmwood.
'The board must understand the anger and frustration that is widely felt.'
An SRUC spokesperson says staff concerns are being taken very seriously.
And he told The Courier new 'distance-learning' animal care topics are now being considered as a result of feedback.
He added, however: 'The decision to close the animal care course and main building was taken following an open and meaningful collective consultation process during which we carefully considered feedback.
'Unfortunately, we were unable to identify a financially-viable alternative model for animal care in its current form.'
The spokesperson acknowledged a pay and grading project that could lead to staff salary rises is behind schedule.
Steps are now being taken to conclude this, he said.
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