29 May 2001

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 29 May 2001 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr George Lonie

Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Mr Munro Gold C01.04

The Chairman welcomed Mr Munro Gold to his first meeting of the Committee in his new capacity as Director for Sustainable Communities.

Tribute: Alison Smith

C01.04

The Chairman referred to Alison Smith, a pupil at the Nicolson Institute who had been selected for the Scottish Under 16 Girls Football Squad for two games against the English Under 16 Girls Team. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Alison Smith on her achievement.

Tribute: Adam Hadidi

C01.04

The Chairman referred to Adam Hadidi, a former pupil at the Nicolson Institute who had recently competed in the Scottish Championships for 100m relay, had achieved a personal best at the event and had been selected to represent Scotland. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Adam Hadidi on his achievement.

Tribute: The Nicolson Institute

C01.04

The Chairman referred to The Nicolson Institute Boys and Girls Under 14 and Under 16 Football Teams who had all won the North of Scotland Cup. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the pupils and the staff on their achievements.

Tribute: Lewis and Harris Sports Festival

C01.04

The Chairman congratulated the organisers and participants in the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival Against Drugs.

Tribute: World Festival for Island Cultures

C01.04

Mr Donald Maclean thanked the Committee for its role in supporting the Western Isles delegations trip to participate in the World Festival for Island Cultures in Jeju, Korea.

Tribute: Stornoway Half Marathon

C01.04

The Chairman congratulated the Stornoway Running Club who had organised the recent successful Stornoway Half Marathon and Fun Day.

CONSTITUTION

Election of Chairman C02.01

36

The Director of Corporate Services chaired the Meeting and called for nominations for Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001.

Mrs Mary Bremner, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham, moved the election of Mr Alasdair G Macrae.

There being no further nominations the Director of Corporate Services declared that Mr Alasdair G Macrae had been duly elected as Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001.

Election of Vice-Chairman C02.01

37

The Chairman called for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001.

Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham, moved the election of Mrs Katie M Mackenzie.

There being no further nominations the Chairman declared that Mrs Katie M Mackenzie had been duly elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13

38*

The Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 was approved.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to make representations to the Scottish Executive seeking the establishment of a Minister for Sport to deal exclusively with sport in Scotland.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2000 - 31 March 2001

PR110.05

39*

With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. It was intimated in the Report that the actual net expenditure for 2000/2001 was £14,722,000, some £933,000 below the December revised approved Programme for 2000/2001, in the sum of £15,715,000. Appended to the Report was a summary of the total expenditure for the 2000/01 financial year and estimated expenditure for 2001/02 to 2002/03. A summary of the variations which had occurred within the Programme of Capital Expenditure for 2000/01 was set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that:

(1) the Comhairle note the final expenditure to 31 March 2001 and approve the slippage and acceleration to/from the 2001/2002 initial committed Programme and specifically:

(i) £25k be transferred from the External Fabric Repairs project at Stornoway Town Hall to fund the internal repainting of the Town Hall;

(ii) additional expenditure of £6,000, to be funded from estimated future levels of slippage, be allocated to the West Side Slipway Project; and

(iii) capital fees be posted to the financial ledger on a monthly basis, or on at least a quarterly basis.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Corporate Strategy : Consultative Draft

40*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report inviting Services Committees to comment on the consultative draft corporate Strategy

It was agreed that the comments agreed as a response from the Committee are passed to the Chief Executive for inclusion in the finalised Corporate Strategy, namely that Lews Castle be included in the strategy.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress

PR03.02.01

41

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 Essential Maintenance

AL02.17

42*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals for essential maintenance of Lews Castle as part of the approved 2001/02 Capital Programme. The Report indicated that the main areas requiring attention in the current financial year would be re-surveying and repairing the lead work to the roof, temporary repairs to the porch roof to the north of the main entrance and carrying out further investigations and the necessary remedial work into coping stones.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the works identified in the Report as the 2001/02 programme of essential capital maintenance at Lews Castle.

Feasibility of Future Development - Sir E Scott School Tarbert

E03

43*

The Director of Education and the Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report seeking Members approval to prepare a PIR for the Sir E Scott School development and to determine the views of the Committee on an alternative procurement route. The various stages of the construction sequence were outlined in the report.

It was agreed at the Meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group held on 23 May 2001, adjourned and reconvened on 25 May 2001, to recommend to the Education Committee that:

(1) Option 1 in the Feasibility Report of the joint Report by the Directors of Technical Services and Education, be approved;

(2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to acquire all the necessary land for the project;

(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to explore the option of the partnering arrangement with suitable contractors for this project;

(4) the funding option C (dated 25 May 2001), as detailed in the Joint Report by the Director of Technical Services and Education, be approved, excluding the top-up funding of £1.2m;

(5) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to demolish the HORSA buildings at the site;

(6) representations be made to the Scottish Executive for special additional funding for the project; and

(7) the total funding required for the project, as recommended above, be included in the PIR bid for April 2002-2004, to progress the project to completion.

REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Local Capital Grants Scheme 2001/2002

AL11.01

44*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that North Tolsta Community Association had been approved by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department for grant assistance towards redevelopment of the community hall at North Tolsta. The grant has been awarded in principle and subject to confirmation of matching funding being in place.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities congratulate North Tolsta Community Association on their successful application and request that the work go to tender at their earliest convenience.

Request for Financial Assistance - Isles FM

AL11.01

45*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance for the purchase of capital equipment by Isles FM. The request was to fully equip a second studio that would enable Isles FM to undertake more interviewing, programme preparation and training and to purchase outside broadcast equipment in order to cover and record important local events.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant of up to 25% of the total costs, or £8,000, whichever is the lesser, to Isles FM, subject to evidence of expenditure.

Request for Financial Assistance - Sail Hebrides

AL11.01

46*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application from Sail Hebrides for a revenue grant towards the running costs of the Hebridean Maritime Festival being held between 31 July and 4 August 2001. The total cost of the festival would be in excess of £11k and Sail Hebrides were making a request for £4k from the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant to Sail Hebrides of up to £4,000 or a maximum of 30% of the total costs for the running of the Hebridean Maritime Festival subject to evidence of expenditure.

Request for Financial Assistance from the Capital Programme - Riverside Recreation Park

AL11.01

47*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a grant application from Riverside Recreation Park for the purpose of developing a surface games area adjacent to Cross School. The proposal was to develop a games area at a total cost of £51,949 and funding of £31,000 had been secured from Western Isles Enterprise. Riverside Recreation Park were contributing £8,000 which left a shortfall of £13,000.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant of £13,000 to Riverside Recreation Park for the purpose of developing a surfaced ball playing area adjacent to Cross School.

Request for Financial Assistance from the Capital Programme - Manor Park Residents (Community) Association

AL11.01

48*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application from the Manor Park Residents (Community) Association for the purpose of redeveloping Bain Square. The proposals involved the restructuring of the square to provide allocated car parking areas, the provision of substantial garden facilities, the erection of aesthetically designed stone walls with seating facilities, tarmacing and the provision of bench seating.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant of £6,060 to Manor Park Residents (Community) Association for the purpose of redeveloping Bain Square.

Request for Financial Assistance - Back War Memorial

AL11.01

49*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Back War Memorial Committee. The Committee initially applied for £4,000 as the final piece of the jigsaw towards the War Memorial in Back, but this amount had increased to £14,000 in light of the Comhairle's decision to discontinue Ward Initiative funding. The Report further indicated that £30,000 from the Comhairle's ACE Grants had already been committed to the project and that in-kind support in terms of New Deal and labour was already being given to the project. The previous maximum the Arts and Leisure Committee had given to any War Memorial had been £2.5k.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to write to Back War Memorial Committee indicating that in light of the significant Comhairle funding that was being invested in the project an award from the Arts and Leisure Committee would not be given; and

(2) the sum of £2.5k be considered the maximum given by the Committee for the erection of any War Memorial.

Request for Financial Assistance - Back Football and Recreation Club

AL11.01

50*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Back Football and Recreation Club in order to underwrite a short fall in their existing funding. The Report detailed the financial background and indicated that there was no precedent for the Committee to award retrospective grant aid to an organisation nor have any requests to pay bank overdrafts been approved by the Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) grant aid be not awarded to Back Football and Recreation Club; and

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities and the Chief Executive be authorised to investigate ways to assist Back Football and Recreation Club.

Request for Financial Assistance - Bernera Community Development Project Phase 2

AL11.01

51*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Bernera Community Centre Development Project for the next phase of their proposals for developing a Community Centre Development. The Report detailed Phase I of the project and indicated that Phase II related to the further enhancement of the Community Centre and the inclusion of a children's play area. The Report further indicated that the total cost of Phase II was £44,000 and there was now a shortfall of £3,000 within the budget.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award £3,000 from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations budget to the Bernera Community Association in respect of Phase II of their Community Centre Development Project.

Request for Financial Assistance - Taigh Chearsabhagh

AL11.01

52*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre. Taigh Chearsabhagh had requested that the Comhairle consider awarding an annual grant of £12k in recognition of a move towards creating a stable financial basis for the community arts programme in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Taigh Chearsabhagh receives financial assistance of £12,000 from the Community Events budget, subject to satisfactory submission of the previous year's financial accounts; and

(2) a review is undertaken of the assistance given to Taigh Chearsabhagh in 3 years time.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Inflatable Equipment for use by Voluntary Sector Organisations

AL03.01

53*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals to replace the bouncy castle and bungee run which would be used by voluntary sector organisations and groups in their fund raising activities. The equipment was purchased by the Comhairle in 1983 but was now beyond economical repair and it was proposed to replace the equipment from within the Capital Programme of Grants to Voluntary Organisations.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to purchase a new bouncy castle and bungee run using £8,000 from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations budget within the Capital Programme 2001-2004.

The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers, in light of the need to purchase the equipment during the summer months and on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.

Western Isles Community Learning Strategy

AL04.12

54*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Western Isles Community Learning Strategy. The Comhairle, in partnership with Western Isles Enterprise, Lews Castle College, Western Isles Health Board, the Careers Services and the Voluntary Sector had prepared a consultative draft Community Learning Strategy in 2000 which had been circulated for comments.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the Western Isles Community Learning Strategy.

Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme

AL04.12

55*

With reference to item 34 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report asking the Committee to consider appointing a temporary development worker for a period of one year in order to pursue the development of an apprenticeship scheme in Community Education.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a Development Officer be appointed at a grade determined by Corporate Services evaluation, expected to be around Spinal Point 42;

(2) the contract be for a period of one year, commencing September 2001; and

(3) the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chair of Personnel Sub-Committee, be authorised to approve the final job description.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 26(f), the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to particular employees of the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Barra Swimming Pool: Amendment to Contracted Hours

AL06.02.01

56*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval to increase the contracted hours of two pool attendants at Barra School.

It was agreed to recommend that employees MM and MTM be given revised contracts of 37 hours each and the same job description and conditions of service.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12

57

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a progress report in relation to items of business outstanding from previous decisions of the Arts and Leisure Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PRESENT	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)
	Mr Iain Morrison
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Philip R McLean
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr George Lonie	Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Mr Munro Gold C01.04		The Chairman welcomed Mr Munro Gold to his first meeting of the Committee in his new capacity as Director for Sustainable Communities.
Tribute: Alison Smith C01.04		The Chairman referred to Alison Smith, a pupil at the Nicolson Institute who had been selected for the Scottish Under 16 Girls Football Squad for two games against the English Under 16 Girls Team. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Alison Smith on her achievement.
Tribute: Adam Hadidi C01.04		The Chairman referred to Adam Hadidi, a former pupil at the Nicolson Institute who had recently competed in the Scottish Championships for 100m relay, had achieved a personal best at the event and had been selected to represent Scotland. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Adam Hadidi on his achievement.
Tribute: The Nicolson Institute C01.04		The Chairman referred to The Nicolson Institute Boys and Girls Under 14 and Under 16 Football Teams who had all won the North of Scotland Cup. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the pupils and the staff on their achievements.
Tribute: Lewis and Harris Sports Festival C01.04		The Chairman congratulated the organisers and participants in the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival Against Drugs.
Tribute: World Festival for Island Cultures C01.04		Mr Donald Maclean thanked the Committee for its role in supporting the Western Isles delegations trip to participate in the World Festival for Island Cultures in Jeju, Korea.
Tribute: Stornoway Half Marathon C01.04		The Chairman congratulated the Stornoway Running Club who had organised the recent successful Stornoway Half Marathon and Fun Day.
		CONSTITUTION
Election of Chairman C02.01	36	The Director of Corporate Services chaired the Meeting and called for nominations for Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001. Mrs Mary Bremner, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham, moved the election of Mr Alasdair G Macrae. There being no further nominations the Director of Corporate Services declared that Mr Alasdair G Macrae had been duly elected as Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001.
Election of Vice-Chairman C02.01	37	The Chairman called for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001. Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham, moved the election of Mrs Katie M Mackenzie. There being no further nominations the Chairman declared that Mrs Katie M Mackenzie had been duly elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee until 27 August 2001.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13	38*	The Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 was approved. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to make representations to the Scottish Executive seeking the establishment of a Minister for Sport to deal exclusively with sport in Scotland.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April 2000 - 31 March 2001 PR110.05	39*	With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 2001, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. It was intimated in the Report that the actual net expenditure for 2000/2001 was £14,722,000, some £933,000 below the December revised approved Programme for 2000/2001, in the sum of £15,715,000. Appended to the Report was a summary of the total expenditure for the 2000/01 financial year and estimated expenditure for 2001/02 to 2002/03. A summary of the variations which had occurred within the Programme of Capital Expenditure for 2000/01 was set out in the Report. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: (1) the Comhairle note the final expenditure to 31 March 2001 and approve the slippage and acceleration to/from the 2001/2002 initial committed Programme and specifically: (i) £25k be transferred from the External Fabric Repairs project at Stornoway Town Hall to fund the internal repainting of the Town Hall; (ii) additional expenditure of £6,000, to be funded from estimated future levels of slippage, be allocated to the West Side Slipway Project; and (iii) capital fees be posted to the financial ledger on a monthly basis, or on at least a quarterly basis.
		BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Corporate Strategy : Consultative Draft	40*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report inviting Services Committees to comment on the consultative draft corporate Strategy It was agreed that the comments agreed as a response from the Committee are passed to the Chief Executive for inclusion in the finalised Corporate Strategy, namely that Lews Castle be included in the strategy.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress PR03.02.01	41	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 Essential Maintenance AL02.17	42*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals for essential maintenance of Lews Castle as part of the approved 2001/02 Capital Programme. The Report indicated that the main areas requiring attention in the current financial year would be re-surveying and repairing the lead work to the roof, temporary repairs to the porch roof to the north of the main entrance and carrying out further investigations and the necessary remedial work into coping stones. It was agreed to recommend approval of the works identified in the Report as the 2001/02 programme of essential capital maintenance at Lews Castle.
Feasibility of Future Development - Sir E Scott School Tarbert E03	43*	The Director of Education and the Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report seeking Members approval to prepare a PIR for the Sir E Scott School development and to determine the views of the Committee on an alternative procurement route. The various stages of the construction sequence were outlined in the report.
		It was agreed at the Meeting of the Sir E Scott School Member/Officer Working Group held on 23 May 2001, adjourned and reconvened on 25 May 2001, to recommend to the Education Committee that: (1) Option 1 in the Feasibility Report of the joint Report by the Directors of Technical Services and Education, be approved; (2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to acquire all the necessary land for the project; (3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to explore the option of the partnering arrangement with suitable contractors for this project; (4) the funding option C (dated 25 May 2001), as detailed in the Joint Report by the Director of Technical Services and Education, be approved, excluding the top-up funding of £1.2m; (5) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to demolish the HORSA buildings at the site; (6) representations be made to the Scottish Executive for special additional funding for the project; and (7) the total funding required for the project, as recommended above, be included in the PIR bid for April 2002-2004, to progress the project to completion.
		REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Local Capital Grants Scheme 2001/2002 AL11.01	44*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that North Tolsta Community Association had been approved by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department for grant assistance towards redevelopment of the community hall at North Tolsta. The grant has been awarded in principle and subject to confirmation of matching funding being in place. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities congratulate North Tolsta Community Association on their successful application and request that the work go to tender at their earliest convenience.
Request for Financial Assistance - Isles FM AL11.01	45*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance for the purchase of capital equipment by Isles FM. The request was to fully equip a second studio that would enable Isles FM to undertake more interviewing, programme preparation and training and to purchase outside broadcast equipment in order to cover and record important local events. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant of up to 25% of the total costs, or £8,000, whichever is the lesser, to Isles FM, subject to evidence of expenditure.
Request for Financial Assistance - Sail Hebrides AL11.01	46*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application from Sail Hebrides for a revenue grant towards the running costs of the Hebridean Maritime Festival being held between 31 July and 4 August 2001. The total cost of the festival would be in excess of £11k and Sail Hebrides were making a request for £4k from the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant to Sail Hebrides of up to £4,000 or a maximum of 30% of the total costs for the running of the Hebridean Maritime Festival subject to evidence of expenditure.
Request for Financial Assistance from the Capital Programme - Riverside Recreation Park AL11.01	47*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a grant application from Riverside Recreation Park for the purpose of developing a surface games area adjacent to Cross School. The proposal was to develop a games area at a total cost of £51,949 and funding of £31,000 had been secured from Western Isles Enterprise. Riverside Recreation Park were contributing £8,000 which left a shortfall of £13,000. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant of £13,000 to Riverside Recreation Park for the purpose of developing a surfaced ball playing area adjacent to Cross School.
Request for Financial Assistance from the Capital Programme - Manor Park Residents (Community) Association AL11.01	48*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application from the Manor Park Residents (Community) Association for the purpose of redeveloping Bain Square. The proposals involved the restructuring of the square to provide allocated car parking areas, the provision of substantial garden facilities, the erection of aesthetically designed stone walls with seating facilities, tarmacing and the provision of bench seating. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award a grant of £6,060 to Manor Park Residents (Community) Association for the purpose of redeveloping Bain Square.
Request for Financial Assistance - Back War Memorial AL11.01	49*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Back War Memorial Committee. The Committee initially applied for £4,000 as the final piece of the jigsaw towards the War Memorial in Back, but this amount had increased to £14,000 in light of the Comhairle's decision to discontinue Ward Initiative funding. The Report further indicated that £30,000 from the Comhairle's ACE Grants had already been committed to the project and that in-kind support in terms of New Deal and labour was already being given to the project. The previous maximum the Arts and Leisure Committee had given to any War Memorial had been £2.5k. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to write to Back War Memorial Committee indicating that in light of the significant Comhairle funding that was being invested in the project an award from the Arts and Leisure Committee would not be given; and (2) the sum of £2.5k be considered the maximum given by the Committee for the erection of any War Memorial.
Request for Financial Assistance - Back Football and Recreation Club AL11.01	50*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Back Football and Recreation Club in order to underwrite a short fall in their existing funding. The Report detailed the financial background and indicated that there was no precedent for the Committee to award retrospective grant aid to an organisation nor have any requests to pay bank overdrafts been approved by the Committee. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) grant aid be not awarded to Back Football and Recreation Club; and (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities and the Chief Executive be authorised to investigate ways to assist Back Football and Recreation Club.
Request for Financial Assistance - Bernera Community Development Project Phase 2 AL11.01	51*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Bernera Community Centre Development Project for the next phase of their proposals for developing a Community Centre Development. The Report detailed Phase I of the project and indicated that Phase II related to the further enhancement of the Community Centre and the inclusion of a children's play area. The Report further indicated that the total cost of Phase II was £44,000 and there was now a shortfall of £3,000 within the budget. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to award £3,000 from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations budget to the Bernera Community Association in respect of Phase II of their Community Centre Development Project.
Request for Financial Assistance - Taigh Chearsabhagh AL11.01	52*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre. Taigh Chearsabhagh had requested that the Comhairle consider awarding an annual grant of £12k in recognition of a move towards creating a stable financial basis for the community arts programme in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Taigh Chearsabhagh receives financial assistance of £12,000 from the Community Events budget, subject to satisfactory submission of the previous year's financial accounts; and (2) a review is undertaken of the assistance given to Taigh Chearsabhagh in 3 years time.
		COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Inflatable Equipment for use by Voluntary Sector Organisations AL03.01	53*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals to replace the bouncy castle and bungee run which would be used by voluntary sector organisations and groups in their fund raising activities. The equipment was purchased by the Comhairle in 1983 but was now beyond economical repair and it was proposed to replace the equipment from within the Capital Programme of Grants to Voluntary Organisations. It was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to purchase a new bouncy castle and bungee run using £8,000 from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations budget within the Capital Programme 2001-2004.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers, in light of the need to purchase the equipment during the summer months and on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
Western Isles Community Learning Strategy AL04.12	54*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the Western Isles Community Learning Strategy. The Comhairle, in partnership with Western Isles Enterprise, Lews Castle College, Western Isles Health Board, the Careers Services and the Voluntary Sector had prepared a consultative draft Community Learning Strategy in 2000 which had been circulated for comments. It was agreed to recommend approval of the Western Isles Community Learning Strategy.
Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme AL04.12	55*	With reference to item 34 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 March 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report asking the Committee to consider appointing a temporary development worker for a period of one year in order to pursue the development of an apprenticeship scheme in Community Education. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a Development Officer be appointed at a grade determined by Corporate Services evaluation, expected to be around Spinal Point 42; (2) the contract be for a period of one year, commencing September 2001; and (3) the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chair of Personnel Sub-Committee, be authorised to approve the final job description.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 26(f), the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to particular employees of the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Barra Swimming Pool: Amendment to Contracted Hours AL06.02.01	56*	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval to increase the contracted hours of two pool attendants at Barra School. It was agreed to recommend that employees MM and MTM be given revised contracts of 37 hours each and the same job description and conditions of service.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	57	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a progress report in relation to items of business outstanding from previous decisions of the Arts and Leisure Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.