Elmwood College merger
The Board of Management of Elmwood College today agreed unanimously and unequivocally, to the proposed merger between Elmwood College, Barony College, Oatridge College and the Scottish Agriculture College, with a vesting date of 1 August 2012.
It is the belief of the Board that the new college will have a positive impact on the land-based economy and its communities. It has great potential to deliver better outcomes for students and to offer enhanced consultancy and research services of local, national and international significance.
The merger presents a unique opportunity to create a new integrated tertiary education, research and consultancy organisation, to serve a wide range of stakeholders across and beyond Scotland. The merger represents a significant step towards the development of a rural university college, and the creation of a sustainable organisation for the delivery of land-based teaching, research and consultancy for Scotland and beyond.
While the Board
agree whole-heartedly with the vision at the centre of the proposed new entity,
it is mindful of the great uncertainty brought about by a merger - for the
staff, students and external stakeholders - but it is confident that the merger
will bring significant long-term benefits to Elmwood's students, staff and the Fife
economy as a whole. A Communications
and Engagement Strategy is being developed to ensure that we not only keep our
eye on the vision but that we give every opportunity for everyone to engage in
forming this exciting new institution.
Bob Howat, Chairman of Elmwood College's Board of Management, commented, "I am excited by the prospect of creating something new and unique - the first truly integrated tertiary education body in Scotland primarily focussed on a single industry of significance to our national economy. In the process leading up to the development of this vision and ambition, I have enjoyed reflecting on past success. I am much more excited by the future and the possibilities the new entity offers Scotland's landbased industries."
