28 May 2002

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 28 May 2002 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr George Lonie

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Tribute: Mr Donnie Murray

The Chairman referred to the recent death of Mr Donald Murray, who was a former Councillor and, on behalf of the Committee, extended sympathy and condolences to his wife and family in their bereavement.

Tribute: Sara Thomas

The Chairman referred to Sara Thomas who recently competed in the National Disabled Swimming Competition in Edinburgh and had won two Medals and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Sarah on her achievements.

Tribute: Western Isles Athletes

The Chairman referred to athletes from the Western Isles who had recently competed in the North District Championship and had won more awards than any other District and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated all the athletes involved.

Tribute: Nicolson Girls Football Teams

The Chairman referred to the Junior Nicolson Girls Football Team who had recently reached the final of the Scottish Cup at their level. On behalf of the Committee he congratuled both the Junior and the Senior Football teams for winning the North of Scotland Cups at their respective levels.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002

1

The minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 was approved.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002-05-30

2

With reference to item 3 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 December 2001.

It was agreed to note the report.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Departmental Business Plans

PR33.01.12

3

With reference to item 66 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Chief Executive submitted a report containing summaries of the business plans prepared by each Department.

It was agreed to approve the departmental business plans summaries, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

PR33.01.12

4

With reference to item 2 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Lews Castle: Future Use

AL02.17

5

With reference to item 8 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning progress with the consideration of the future use of Lews Castle and to set out a programme for evaluating the feasibility of current proposals for its use. It was indicated in the report that evaluation of the feasibility and funding prospects of the current proposals should be undertaken through Lews Castle Trust (a proposed Company Limited by Guarantee) rather than through the Comhairle. A timetable for progressing the project was set out in the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the timetable for progressing the public consultation and feasibility study on the future use of Lews Castle be noted;

(2) the feasibility study be progressed through the proposed Lews Castle Trust; and

(3) subject to further reports, the Comhairle, and other organisations, give consideration to supporting the proposed feasibility study through revenue and staff allocations.

MUSEUMS

Museum Collections: Relocation and Extending Access

AL09.01

6

With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning proposals for extending access to Museum collections, future uses for the collections and a recommendation that the reserve collections and Museum Conservation Laboratory be housed in the Marybank Depository. The financial implications of converting the Marybank Depository for this purpose and the removal costs for transporting the collections were outlined in the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the proposals contained in the report for developing the use of, and extending public access to the Museum collections be approved; and

(2) the Museum reserve collections and Conservation Laboratory be relocated to the Marybank Depository.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Request for Financial Assistance: Lewis and Harris Youth Clubs Association (Capital)

AL11.01

7

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Lewis and Harris Youth Clubs Association for the purpose of purchasing a minibus. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed that, it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, to award a grant of £4,000 to Lewis and Harris Youth Clubs Association from the capital grants for Voluntary Organisations for the purchase of a minibus, subject to evidence of expenditure, and other income, for this purpose.

Request for Financial Assistance: Lewis Car Club (Capital)

AL11.01

8

With reference to item 71 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Lewis Car Club for the purchase of equipment. It was indicated in the report that the group had previously received a grant of £5,000 from the Arts and Leisure Committee in 2000/2001 for setting up a go cart track.

It was agreed that a grant of £4,500 be awarded to Lewis Car Club from the capital grants for voluntary organisations for the purchase of equipment, subject to evidence of expenditure in the region of £15,000.

Request for Financial Assistance: Sail Hebrides

9

With reference to item 46 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Sail Hebrides for the purpose of holding a maritime festival.

AL11.01

It was agreed that a grant of £6,400, or up to 30% of the total costs, whichever is lesser, be awarded to Sail Hebrides, from the Community Events budget, for the purpose of holding a maritime festival.

New Opportunities Fund: PE and Sport Initiative

AL11.01

10

With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the New Opportunities Fund - PE and Sport Initiative and seeking approval to submit applications to access the Comhairle's provisional allocation. It was indicated in the report that the Initiative would support projects designed to bring about a step-change in the provision of sports facilities and sports related activities for young people and the community. It was also indicated in the report that the Western Isles had a provisional allocation of £450,000.

It was agreed that the submission, to the New Opportunities Fund, of applications to satisfy the specified programme outcomes and application process as detailed in sections 5, 6 and 7 of the report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, be approved.

Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools (Pilot Programme)

AL11.01

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report requesting approval to make a funding submission to the Scottish Arts Council for up to four part time posts of Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools. The report indicated that the Scottish Executive had invited all Scottish local authorities to submit bids for the recently launched Arts Champions in Schools Pilot. This Programme sought to create a framework which would allow local authorities to invest time and funds to the building of a cultural programme for schools.

It was agreed that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in conjunction with the Director of Education, make an application to the Arts Council for four part time temporary Cultural Co-ordinators.

Mr Alasdair G Macrae and Mrs Katie M Mackenzie declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

Dun Eisdean Castle Access Project

AL11.01

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the level of financial assistance that may be given by the Comhairle to the Morrison Society, for the creation of a bridge between the archaeological site of Dun Eisdean, Ness, and the Lewis mainland. The background to the matter and three potential funding options were outlined in the report. The funding proposal for the project was appended to the report.

It was agreed that, subject to evidence of match funding as outlined within the body of report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, a grant of £20,000 be awarded to the Dun Eisdean Castle project from the Capital Programme for voluntary organisations.

Lanntair Arts Programme - Funding Application

AL11.01

13

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning an application for funding towards a programme of arts activities for children. It was indicated in the report that the programme consisted of 5 artist led projects in conjunction with 5 island schools, a special full day event for pre-school children and 24 arts workshops to be held during school holiday periods. The total cost of the programme is £4,800 and £1,900 was sought from the Comhairle.

It was agreed that the sum of £1,900 be awarded to the An Lanntair Gallery outreach programme from the community events budget.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community Workshops

AL04

14

With reference to item 80 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the future of Community Workshops. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Comhairle continue to support Community Workshops where there is significant local interest; and

(2) where there is an interest in acquiring a community workshop and little or no use is being made of the facility, a public meeting be called to establish local interest, prior to consideration by the Committee of any proposals for disposal.

Treasure Trove and Finds Disposal: A Collecting Partnership with the National Museums of Scotland

AL09.01

15

With reference to item 103 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a proposal to form a partnership between the National Museums of Scotland and Museum nan Eilean which would provide a mechanism for the disposal of local archaeological site assemblages and significant finds by the Finds Disposal Panel and Treasure Trove Advisory Panel. The report proposed the establishment of a collecting partnership between Museum nan Eilean and the National Museums of Scotland.

It was agreed that:

(1) the principle of forming a partnership with the National Museums of Scotland for the custodianship of important archaeological finds be approved; and

(2) the Museum Curator, in consultation with the National Museums of Scotland, be authorised to develop these proposals for formal submission to the Treasure Trove Advisory Panel and Finds Disposal Panel, subject to prior approval by the Comhairle.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

16

With reference to item 9 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Arts and Leisure Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

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

Tribute: Mr Donnie Murray		The Chairman referred to the recent death of Mr Donald Murray, who was a former Councillor and, on behalf of the Committee, extended sympathy and condolences to his wife and family in their bereavement.
Tribute: Sara Thomas		The Chairman referred to Sara Thomas who recently competed in the National Disabled Swimming Competition in Edinburgh and had won two Medals and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Sarah on her achievements.
Tribute: Western Isles Athletes		The Chairman referred to athletes from the Western Isles who had recently competed in the North District Championship and had won more awards than any other District and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated all the athletes involved.
Tribute: Nicolson Girls Football Teams		The Chairman referred to the Junior Nicolson Girls Football Team who had recently reached the final of the Scottish Cup at their level. On behalf of the Committee he congratuled both the Junior and the Senior Football teams for winning the North of Scotland Cups at their respective levels.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 26 March 2002	1	The minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 was approved.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002-05-30	2	With reference to item 3 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Non-Housing Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 December 2001. It was agreed to note the report.

		BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Departmental Business Plans PR33.01.12	3	With reference to item 66 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Chief Executive submitted a report containing summaries of the business plans prepared by each Department. It was agreed to approve the departmental business plans summaries, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress PR33.01.12	4	With reference to item 2 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme. It was agreed to note the Report.
Lews Castle: Future Use AL02.17	5	With reference to item 8 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning progress with the consideration of the future use of Lews Castle and to set out a programme for evaluating the feasibility of current proposals for its use. It was indicated in the report that evaluation of the feasibility and funding prospects of the current proposals should be undertaken through Lews Castle Trust (a proposed Company Limited by Guarantee) rather than through the Comhairle. A timetable for progressing the project was set out in the report.
		It was agreed that: (1) the timetable for progressing the public consultation and feasibility study on the future use of Lews Castle be noted; (2) the feasibility study be progressed through the proposed Lews Castle Trust; and (3) subject to further reports, the Comhairle, and other organisations, give consideration to supporting the proposed feasibility study through revenue and staff allocations.
		MUSEUMS
Museum Collections: Relocation and Extending Access AL09.01	6	With reference to item 10 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning proposals for extending access to Museum collections, future uses for the collections and a recommendation that the reserve collections and Museum Conservation Laboratory be housed in the Marybank Depository. The financial implications of converting the Marybank Depository for this purpose and the removal costs for transporting the collections were outlined in the report.
		It was agreed that: (1) the proposals contained in the report for developing the use of, and extending public access to the Museum collections be approved; and (2) the Museum reserve collections and Conservation Laboratory be relocated to the Marybank Depository.

		FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Request for Financial Assistance: Lewis and Harris Youth Clubs Association (Capital) AL11.01	7	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Lewis and Harris Youth Clubs Association for the purpose of purchasing a minibus. The background to the matter was outlined in the report. It was agreed that, it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman, to award a grant of £4,000 to Lewis and Harris Youth Clubs Association from the capital grants for Voluntary Organisations for the purchase of a minibus, subject to evidence of expenditure, and other income, for this purpose.
Request for Financial Assistance: Lewis Car Club (Capital) AL11.01	8	With reference to item 71 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Lewis Car Club for the purchase of equipment. It was indicated in the report that the group had previously received a grant of £5,000 from the Arts and Leisure Committee in 2000/2001 for setting up a go cart track.
		It was agreed that a grant of £4,500 be awarded to Lewis Car Club from the capital grants for voluntary organisations for the purchase of equipment, subject to evidence of expenditure in the region of £15,000.
Request for Financial Assistance: Sail Hebrides	9	With reference to item 46 of the minute of meeting of 29 May 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Sail Hebrides for the purpose of holding a maritime festival.
AL11.01		It was agreed that a grant of £6,400, or up to 30% of the total costs, whichever is lesser, be awarded to Sail Hebrides, from the Community Events budget, for the purpose of holding a maritime festival.
New Opportunities Fund: PE and Sport Initiative AL11.01	10	With reference to item 11 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the New Opportunities Fund - PE and Sport Initiative and seeking approval to submit applications to access the Comhairle's provisional allocation. It was indicated in the report that the Initiative would support projects designed to bring about a step-change in the provision of sports facilities and sports related activities for young people and the community. It was also indicated in the report that the Western Isles had a provisional allocation of £450,000.
		It was agreed that the submission, to the New Opportunities Fund, of applications to satisfy the specified programme outcomes and application process as detailed in sections 5, 6 and 7 of the report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, be approved.
Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools (Pilot Programme) AL11.01	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report requesting approval to make a funding submission to the Scottish Arts Council for up to four part time posts of Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools. The report indicated that the Scottish Executive had invited all Scottish local authorities to submit bids for the recently launched Arts Champions in Schools Pilot. This Programme sought to create a framework which would allow local authorities to invest time and funds to the building of a cultural programme for schools.
		It was agreed that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in conjunction with the Director of Education, make an application to the Arts Council for four part time temporary Cultural Co-ordinators.
		Mr Alasdair G Macrae and Mrs Katie M Mackenzie declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Dun Eisdean Castle Access Project AL11.01	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the level of financial assistance that may be given by the Comhairle to the Morrison Society, for the creation of a bridge between the archaeological site of Dun Eisdean, Ness, and the Lewis mainland. The background to the matter and three potential funding options were outlined in the report. The funding proposal for the project was appended to the report.
		It was agreed that, subject to evidence of match funding as outlined within the body of report by the Director for Sustainable Communities, a grant of £20,000 be awarded to the Dun Eisdean Castle project from the Capital Programme for voluntary organisations.
Lanntair Arts Programme - Funding Application AL11.01	13	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning an application for funding towards a programme of arts activities for children. It was indicated in the report that the programme consisted of 5 artist led projects in conjunction with 5 island schools, a special full day event for pre-school children and 24 arts workshops to be held during school holiday periods. The total cost of the programme is £4,800 and £1,900 was sought from the Comhairle.
		It was agreed that the sum of £1,900 be awarded to the An Lanntair Gallery outreach programme from the community events budget.
		COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Workshops AL04	14	With reference to item 80 of the minute of meeting of 28 August 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the future of Community Workshops. The background to the matter was outlined in the report.
		It was agreed that: (1) the Comhairle continue to support Community Workshops where there is significant local interest; and (2) where there is an interest in acquiring a community workshop and little or no use is being made of the facility, a public meeting be called to establish local interest, prior to consideration by the Committee of any proposals for disposal.
Treasure Trove and Finds Disposal: A Collecting Partnership with the National Museums of Scotland AL09.01	15	With reference to item 103 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a proposal to form a partnership between the National Museums of Scotland and Museum nan Eilean which would provide a mechanism for the disposal of local archaeological site assemblages and significant finds by the Finds Disposal Panel and Treasure Trove Advisory Panel. The report proposed the establishment of a collecting partnership between Museum nan Eilean and the National Museums of Scotland.
		It was agreed that: (1) the principle of forming a partnership with the National Museums of Scotland for the custodianship of important archaeological finds be approved; and (2) the Museum Curator, in consultation with the National Museums of Scotland, be authorised to develop these proposals for formal submission to the Treasure Trove Advisory Panel and Finds Disposal Panel, subject to prior approval by the Comhairle.