The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) was a higher education and research institution specialising in agriculture. It was formed in 1990 as a merger between the three regional Scottish Colleges of Agriculture (North, East and West). SAC was the largest institution of its type in the UK, and one of the largest in Europe. It ran for 22 years until SRUC was formed in 2012.
Oatridge Agricultural College was a further education institution specialising in agriculture and rural skills training. It was formed in 1967 when Ecclesmachan was chosen as the site of Scotland's first local authority residential college for further education in agriculture. Originally courses were taught in temporary accommodation on the farm site. In 1974, the main building with workshops and accommodation was officially opened by HRH Prince Philip. The new buildings provided facilities for courses in agriculture, agricultural engineering, green keeping, horse care and forestry.
In 2012, the College became part of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).
The origins of Elmwood Agricultural College date back to the 1940’s. Evening classes in agriculture, horticulture, engineering, business and general studies were provided at Bell-Baxter continuation school until Fife County Council purchased the property of Elmwood House, Gardens and Greenhouses to be used as the site for Elmwood Agricultural Centre. In 1956, the first day release classes for agriculture and horticulture apprentices in Scotland began at the Centre. Hope Park House and its 5 acres of land were purchased in 1957 due to increased number of students. The centre continued to expand and in 1971, it acquired Springfield Farm. This provided practical livestock, crop and machinery facilities for staff and students of the College.
The main building of Elmwood Agricultural College was officially opened in 1972 by Sir Hector Munro. The new buildings provided facilities for courses in agriculture, horticulture, engineering, business studies, liberal studies and catering.
Construction of Elmwood Golf course started in 1995 and opened in 1997.
In 2012, the College became part of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).
John Maclauchlan Milne was born in Edinburgh and studied at Edinburgh College of Art and is often associated with the Scottish Colourists. He spent some time living and working in the south of France, finally settling in High Corrie, on the Isle of Arran.
Sources: https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst4239.html
History of Accumulator
James T Steele ("later OBE" according to the donor) was awarded the medals as a student with The University of Edinburgh and EESCA. The medals were awarded between the years 1906 - 1910. Six of the medals were awarded from The University of Edinburgh (Agriculture, Law and landlord tenant, Agricultural entomology, Elementary zoology, Forestry and Plant physiology) and four from EESCA (Handicraft, Agricultural zoology, Agricultural chemistry and Veterinary Science) The donor also handed in a wooden box with 121 glass slides with various specimens from the natural world, she believes this box belonged to the grandfather.