27 March 2001

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 27 March 2001 at 9.00am.

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs electoral division, who was in hospital for an operation and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Mackay for a full and speedy recovery.

Tribute: Mr David Blaney

The Chairman referred to Mr David Blaney, Member for the Daliburgh and Eriskay electoral division who was currently unwell and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Blaney for a full and speedy recovery.

Tribute: Nicolson Under 15 Football Teams

The Chairman referred to the Nicolson Boys Football Team who had reached the quarter finals of the Scottish Schools Under 15 Cup and the Nicolson Girls Football Team who had reached the semi-finals of the Girls North of Scotland Schools Cup. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated both teams on their achievements

Tribute: Stornoway Rugby Club

The Chairman referred to Stornoway Rugby Club who had recently won the Highland District League Championship and were through to the final of the Highland League Cup and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the club on their achievements.

Tribute: Murdo Macleod

The Chairman referred to Mr Murdo Macleod, Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, who was attending his last meeting as Principal Adviser to the Committee prior to the review of departmental structures. The Chairman thanked Mr Macleod for his contribution to the work of the Committee.

Tribute: Dolina Macleod

The Chairman referred to Mrs Dolina Macleod, Principal Administrator to the Committee, who would shortly be taking up a new post as a Policy Development Officer in Sgioba na Gàidhlig and on behalf of the Committee wished Mrs Macleod well in her new position.

Tribute: Derek Mackay

The Chairman welcomed Derek Mackay, Administrator to his first meeting of the Committee.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure Committee

C02.13

21

The Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001 was approved.

Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13

22

The Minute of Meeting of 19 February 2001 was approved.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress

PR03.02.01

23

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report

in respect of the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Stornoway Town Hall - External Fabric

AL02.01.10

24*

With reference to item 60 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the external fabric of Stornoway Town Hall. A limited pilot scheme of repairs to slating and lead work was carried out in spring 2000. An inspection of the building had taken place and consultants had indicated that the estimated cost of the remedial works was currently £595k, excluding additional costs that would be incurred by phasing the works. The Report detailed the works identified as urgent by the consultants and indicated that Historic Scotland may grant assistance on a retrospective basis.

It was agreed:

(1) to note that a pilot scheme of external fabric repairs to the external fabric of the Town Hall had been carried out at a cost of £77k;

(2) to note the recommendations of the detailed inspection of the building carried out by Historic Scotland;

(3) to note the comments and prioritised costings for the various elements of the work detailed at (2) above by Simpson and Brown, Consultant Architects;

(4) to recommend that the works identified as urgent be carried out at an early date in advance of grant consideration at an estimated cost of £31k from the existing provision within the Capital Programme;

(5) to recommend that the Director of Technical Services submit a Report to the next meeting detailing the costs involved in internal redecoration works to the auditorium, foyer, toilets and Old Pointers on South Beach Entrance;

(6) to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to lodge applications with Historic Scotland on an indicative basis to ascertain the likely levels of grants; and

(7) to recommend that a revised PIR be prepared for remedial works to the external fabric of the Town Hall based on the latest available cost information.

REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Orinsay Village Association

AL11.01

25*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Orinsay Village Association for the purpose of erecting a small local community hall. The Report indicated that the existing meeting house had fallen into an irreparable condition. The proposed hall would be broadly of a similar size to a two bedroom kit house and would accommodate a range of day time and evening activities, offering teas/coffees on a voluntary basis during the Summer to try and support general activities in South Lochs.

It was agreed to recommend that £20k be awarded to Orinsay Village Association from the Capital Programme for Voluntary Organisation Grants 2000/01, subject to evidence of matching funding and approved expenditure in the region of £50k.

An Lanntair

AL11.01

26*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from An Lanntair to have an application for financial assistance included for consideration among the Project Initiation Reports for the 2003/04 financial year to cover an indicative shortfall of £200k in the proposals to develop an Arts Centre in Stornoway.

It was agreed to recommend that the request from An Lanntair for a Capital Grant of £200k in the financial year 2003/04 be considered within the context of the Project Initiation Reports.

Ness Community Association

AL11.01

27*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Ness Community Association. The Association had proposals for the development of a sports and leisure facility at Lionel School and had requested that the Comhairle consider contributing £500k to the project in the context of the Project Initiation Reports for the 2003/04 Capital Programme.

It was agreed to recommend that the request from Ness Community Association for a Capital Grant of £500k in the financial year 2003/04 be considered within the context of the Projects Initiation Report.

Breasclete Community Association

AL11.01

28*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an invitation from the Scottish Executive for the Comhairle to nominate a village hall for a Rural Affairs Grant. The Report outlined Breasclete Community Association's proposals to develop an extension to Breasclete School. The expected costs of the proposals were detailed.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Breasclete Community Association be considered for the £100k Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Grant for Village Halls 2002/03; and

(2) if successful, Breasclete Community Association be awarded matching funding of £50k from the Comhairle's Capital Programme 2002/0, which makes specific reference to matching Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Grant.

Mr Philip R McLean declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item

Carinish and District Village Hall

AL11.01

29*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Carinish and District Village Hall Committee in order to enhance the kitchen area of the newly developed village hall. The total cost of the works to the kitchen was in the region of £19k and the Village Hall Committee had requested the Comhairle contribute £15k. The Report recommend that grant assistance be not awarded at such a level.

It was agreed to recommend that a grant of £15k be offered from the Capital Programme for Voluntary Organisations 2001/02 to Carinish and District Village Hall for the purpose of increasing kitchen specifications and on the basis that the grant was measured against the overall cost of the Village Hall project.

SPORTS

New Stornoway Sports Centre

AL02.01

30*

With reference to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the three main options identified in the feasibility study in respect of the development of a new Sports Centre in Stornoway. The Report further detailed the indicative costs in respect of each of the options and the Report recommended that the Comhairle proceed in the basis of option 1.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle proceed with Option 3, detailed in the feasibility study, on the basis of a six badminton court hall and the inclusion of squash courts, subject to a further Report detailing a suitable funding package;

(2) applications for external funding be made on the basis of Option 3; and

(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to approach the consultants to request an extension to the timescale for accepting their quotation for developing the feasibility study to tender stage until August 2001.

School Sports Co-ordinator

AL06.01.58

31*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Service submitted a Report in respect of the introduction of a School Sports Co-ordinator Programme within the Western Isles. The programme was a nationally funded initiative aimed at supporting and enhancing the range and quality of extended curricular sporting provision in schools. The Report further indicated that meetings with Head Teachers and responses to the Sports Strategy Consultation Document indicated that there was a keen interest within schools for the implementation of such a programme within the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the implementation of the School Sports Co-ordinator Programme into all secondary schools in the Western Isles, subject to a detailed Report outlining costs and the implementation process being presented to the Education Committee in August 2001.

Outdoor Education - Standard Operating Procedures

AL06

32*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report updating the standing operating procedures for groups involved in outdoor education pursuits. Consideration of issues of safety and risk management within an outdoor education programme had been undertaken and were described in detail within the operating procedures and criteria for safe practice when conducting a session in any particular activity.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessment and Safety Policy in respect of outdoor education as updated in 2001.

Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise

AL01

33*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise that a Working Group be formed to progress school and community developments at Sandwick School. The Report indicated that a feasibility study had been completed and proposals developed within the study involved the establishment of facilities which would be common to the school and the community.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a Member/Officer Working Group be established to work jointly with Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise to progress school and community developments at Sandwick School; and

(2) Mr Angus Campbell be nominated to serve on the Member/Officer Working Group.

Establishment of a Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme in the Western Isles

AL04.12

34*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the feasibility of establishing a community development apprenticeship scheme. The Report detailed the outcomes of a feasibility study into the establishment of an apprenticeship route into community education/community development and indicated the there was general and widespread support for the development of such a scheme.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle should take the lead in developing an apprenticeship scheme in Community Education/Development and should appoint a Co-ordinator/Development Officer to pursue the development for the initial 12 months period;

(2) the development phase of 12 months be timetabled during which the Co-ordinator/Development Officer would establish the partnerships, secure the funds and develop the apprenticeship posts. During this period UHI would develop the degree content and secure SHEFC funding and CEVE recognition;

(3) Lews Castle College be encouraged to pursue the establishment of a Distance/Open Learning degree through UHI and secure funding through SHEFC. The programme should be delivered through a range of modes including APL and APEL and have multiple entry and exit points; and

(4) dialogue about parallel developments and joint funding applications to Europe should take place with HIE and other Island Councils.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

35*

With reference to item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a progress Report in relation to items of business outstanding from the Arts and Leisure Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Depute Director of Leisure Services:

(1) would submit a Report to the next meeting of the in respect of the impact of Museum nan Eilean on Comunn Eachdraidhs; and

(2) would submit a Report to the next meeting in respect of the School Sports Co-ordinator post.

PRESENT	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Philip R McLean
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay		The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs electoral division, who was in hospital for an operation and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Mackay for a full and speedy recovery.
Tribute: Mr David Blaney		The Chairman referred to Mr David Blaney, Member for the Daliburgh and Eriskay electoral division who was currently unwell and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Blaney for a full and speedy recovery.
Tribute: Nicolson Under 15 Football Teams		The Chairman referred to the Nicolson Boys Football Team who had reached the quarter finals of the Scottish Schools Under 15 Cup and the Nicolson Girls Football Team who had reached the semi-finals of the Girls North of Scotland Schools Cup. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated both teams on their achievements
Tribute: Stornoway Rugby Club		The Chairman referred to Stornoway Rugby Club who had recently won the Highland District League Championship and were through to the final of the Highland League Cup and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the club on their achievements.
Tribute: Murdo Macleod		The Chairman referred to Mr Murdo Macleod, Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services, who was attending his last meeting as Principal Adviser to the Committee prior to the review of departmental structures. The Chairman thanked Mr Macleod for his contribution to the work of the Committee.
Tribute: Dolina Macleod		The Chairman referred to Mrs Dolina Macleod, Principal Administrator to the Committee, who would shortly be taking up a new post as a Policy Development Officer in Sgioba na Gàidhlig and on behalf of the Committee wished Mrs Macleod well in her new position.
Tribute: Derek Mackay		The Chairman welcomed Derek Mackay, Administrator to his first meeting of the Committee.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13	21	The Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001 was approved.
Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13	22	The Minute of Meeting of 19 February 2001 was approved.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress PR03.02.01	23	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in respect of the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme. It was agreed to note the Report.
Stornoway Town Hall - External Fabric AL02.01.10	24*	With reference to item 60 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the external fabric of Stornoway Town Hall. A limited pilot scheme of repairs to slating and lead work was carried out in spring 2000. An inspection of the building had taken place and consultants had indicated that the estimated cost of the remedial works was currently £595k, excluding additional costs that would be incurred by phasing the works. The Report detailed the works identified as urgent by the consultants and indicated that Historic Scotland may grant assistance on a retrospective basis. It was agreed: (1) to note that a pilot scheme of external fabric repairs to the external fabric of the Town Hall had been carried out at a cost of £77k; (2) to note the recommendations of the detailed inspection of the building carried out by Historic Scotland; (3) to note the comments and prioritised costings for the various elements of the work detailed at (2) above by Simpson and Brown, Consultant Architects; (4) to recommend that the works identified as urgent be carried out at an early date in advance of grant consideration at an estimated cost of £31k from the existing provision within the Capital Programme; (5) to recommend that the Director of Technical Services submit a Report to the next meeting detailing the costs involved in internal redecoration works to the auditorium, foyer, toilets and Old Pointers on South Beach Entrance; (6) to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to lodge applications with Historic Scotland on an indicative basis to ascertain the likely levels of grants; and (7) to recommend that a revised PIR be prepared for remedial works to the external fabric of the Town Hall based on the latest available cost information.
		REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Orinsay Village Association AL11.01	25*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Orinsay Village Association for the purpose of erecting a small local community hall. The Report indicated that the existing meeting house had fallen into an irreparable condition. The proposed hall would be broadly of a similar size to a two bedroom kit house and would accommodate a range of day time and evening activities, offering teas/coffees on a voluntary basis during the Summer to try and support general activities in South Lochs. It was agreed to recommend that £20k be awarded to Orinsay Village Association from the Capital Programme for Voluntary Organisation Grants 2000/01, subject to evidence of matching funding and approved expenditure in the region of £50k.
An Lanntair AL11.01	26*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from An Lanntair to have an application for financial assistance included for consideration among the Project Initiation Reports for the 2003/04 financial year to cover an indicative shortfall of £200k in the proposals to develop an Arts Centre in Stornoway. It was agreed to recommend that the request from An Lanntair for a Capital Grant of £200k in the financial year 2003/04 be considered within the context of the Project Initiation Reports.
Ness Community Association AL11.01	27*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Ness Community Association. The Association had proposals for the development of a sports and leisure facility at Lionel School and had requested that the Comhairle consider contributing £500k to the project in the context of the Project Initiation Reports for the 2003/04 Capital Programme. It was agreed to recommend that the request from Ness Community Association for a Capital Grant of £500k in the financial year 2003/04 be considered within the context of the Projects Initiation Report.
Breasclete Community Association AL11.01	28*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an invitation from the Scottish Executive for the Comhairle to nominate a village hall for a Rural Affairs Grant. The Report outlined Breasclete Community Association's proposals to develop an extension to Breasclete School. The expected costs of the proposals were detailed. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Breasclete Community Association be considered for the £100k Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Grant for Village Halls 2002/03; and (2) if successful, Breasclete Community Association be awarded matching funding of £50k from the Comhairle's Capital Programme 2002/0, which makes specific reference to matching Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Grant.
		Mr Philip R McLean declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item
Carinish and District Village Hall AL11.01	29*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Carinish and District Village Hall Committee in order to enhance the kitchen area of the newly developed village hall. The total cost of the works to the kitchen was in the region of £19k and the Village Hall Committee had requested the Comhairle contribute £15k. The Report recommend that grant assistance be not awarded at such a level. It was agreed to recommend that a grant of £15k be offered from the Capital Programme for Voluntary Organisations 2001/02 to Carinish and District Village Hall for the purpose of increasing kitchen specifications and on the basis that the grant was measured against the overall cost of the Village Hall project.
		SPORTS
New Stornoway Sports Centre AL02.01	30*	With reference to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the three main options identified in the feasibility study in respect of the development of a new Sports Centre in Stornoway. The Report further detailed the indicative costs in respect of each of the options and the Report recommended that the Comhairle proceed in the basis of option 1. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle proceed with Option 3, detailed in the feasibility study, on the basis of a six badminton court hall and the inclusion of squash courts, subject to a further Report detailing a suitable funding package; (2) applications for external funding be made on the basis of Option 3; and (3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to approach the consultants to request an extension to the timescale for accepting their quotation for developing the feasibility study to tender stage until August 2001.
School Sports Co-ordinator AL06.01.58	31*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Service submitted a Report in respect of the introduction of a School Sports Co-ordinator Programme within the Western Isles. The programme was a nationally funded initiative aimed at supporting and enhancing the range and quality of extended curricular sporting provision in schools. The Report further indicated that meetings with Head Teachers and responses to the Sports Strategy Consultation Document indicated that there was a keen interest within schools for the implementation of such a programme within the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend approval of the implementation of the School Sports Co-ordinator Programme into all secondary schools in the Western Isles, subject to a detailed Report outlining costs and the implementation process being presented to the Education Committee in August 2001.
Outdoor Education - Standard Operating Procedures AL06	32*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report updating the standing operating procedures for groups involved in outdoor education pursuits. Consideration of issues of safety and risk management within an outdoor education programme had been undertaken and were described in detail within the operating procedures and criteria for safe practice when conducting a session in any particular activity. It was agreed to recommend approval of the Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessment and Safety Policy in respect of outdoor education as updated in 2001.
Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise AL01	33*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise that a Working Group be formed to progress school and community developments at Sandwick School. The Report indicated that a feasibility study had been completed and proposals developed within the study involved the establishment of facilities which would be common to the school and the community. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a Member/Officer Working Group be established to work jointly with Sandwick Hall and Recreation Enterprise to progress school and community developments at Sandwick School; and (2) Mr Angus Campbell be nominated to serve on the Member/Officer Working Group.
Establishment of a Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme in the Western Isles AL04.12	34*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the feasibility of establishing a community development apprenticeship scheme. The Report detailed the outcomes of a feasibility study into the establishment of an apprenticeship route into community education/community development and indicated the there was general and widespread support for the development of such a scheme. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle should take the lead in developing an apprenticeship scheme in Community Education/Development and should appoint a Co-ordinator/Development Officer to pursue the development for the initial 12 months period; (2) the development phase of 12 months be timetabled during which the Co-ordinator/Development Officer would establish the partnerships, secure the funds and develop the apprenticeship posts. During this period UHI would develop the degree content and secure SHEFC funding and CEVE recognition; (3) Lews Castle College be encouraged to pursue the establishment of a Distance/Open Learning degree through UHI and secure funding through SHEFC. The programme should be delivered through a range of modes including APL and APEL and have multiple entry and exit points; and (4) dialogue about parallel developments and joint funding applications to Europe should take place with HIE and other Island Councils.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	35*	With reference to item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a progress Report in relation to items of business outstanding from the Arts and Leisure Committee. It was agreed to note the Report. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Depute Director of Leisure Services: (1) would submit a Report to the next meeting of the in respect of the impact of Museum nan Eilean on Comunn Eachdraidhs; and (2) would submit a Report to the next meeting in respect of the School Sports Co-ordinator post.