March 2000

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 28 March 2000 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr George Lonie

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Mr Tony Wade

C01.04

The Chairman welcomed Mr Tony Wade, newly appointed Sports Centre Manager to his first meeting of the Committee.

Tribute: The Nicolson institute

C01.04

The Chairman referred to the Nicolson Institute Under 16 girls football team who had reached the final of the North of Scotland Cup and also the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, and wished the teams well for these competitions.

Tribute: Lewis and Harris Sports Festival

C01.04

The Chairman congratulated the organisers of the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival on the 25th Anniversary Celebrations and referred to the commemorative magazine which was produced.

Tribute: Mairi Ann Macdonald

C01.04

The Chairman extended congratulations to Mairi Ann Macdonald, Lingerbay who had recently been awarded with Local Service to Sport Award from Sport Scotland and the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils Award for outstanding voluntary efforts to support sports in Harris for over 30 years.

Tribute: Alasdair Dunlop

C01.04

The Chairman congratulated Alasdair Dunlop who had recently won the 400m, 800m and 1500m races at the Scottish Veterans Indoor Athletics Championships held in Glasgow. The Chairman also indicated that Alasdair would participate in the European Veterans Championships in Finland later this year and wished him well for that event.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure Committee

C02.13

16

The Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 was approved.

FINANCE

Per Capita Grants and Subscriptions 2000/2001

AL04.03

17*

With reference to item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 March 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report providing details of the expenditure on Community Education grants and subscriptions to 13 March 2000 and appending to the Report a list of all the organisations which had received grants. The Report detailed the proposed rates of payment for revenue grants for 2000/2001.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the revised rated of payment for per capita grants and subscriptions as detailed in Appendix 1 to the Minute; and

(2) it be noted that retrospective grants would require Committee approval.

Request for Financial Assistance: National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Training Course

AL05.03.27

18*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from two school children to attend a National Youth Orchestra of Scotland training session indicating that the cost of attending the course would be in the region of £1,005.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to:

(1) meet the course fees for each child from the Youth Work budget;

(2) meet air travel costs for each child from the Youth Work budget; and

(3) meet 30% of the travel and subsistence costs of one accompanying adult from the Arts budget.

The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need to have these matters dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle on the basis that these recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.

Ceolas Summer School 1999

AL05.03.47

19

The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.

Visit to Millennium Dome to Stage McDonald's "Our Town Story": Request for Financial Assistance

AL11.01

20

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the application for financial assistance towards a visit by school pupils and staff from throughout the Western Isles to the Millennium Dome in order to stage a production entitled "Our Town Story", sponsored by McDonalds which would reflect the Western Isles community through the ages. The Report indicated that the costs of the production were in the region of £75,000 of which £60,500 was secure leaving a shortfall of £14,500 which the Comhairle had been asked to meet. The Report recommended that:

(a) £5,000 be contributed from the Education Committee (Schools Equipment Budget - Primary and Secondary);

(b) £5,000 be contributed from the Arts and Leisure Committee (Events Budget); and

(c) The remaining sum of £4,500 be considered by the Finance Sub-Committee to determine whether it can meet this shortfall.

It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter until such time as the total sum of £14,500 could be found within the Education and Arts and Leisure Budgets.

BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress

PR03.02.01

21

With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 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.

Play Areas: Condition Report

AL02.12

22*

With reference to item 138 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 November 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the condition of Comhairle owned play areas throughout the Western Isles. The Report identified the various problems which had been encountered at existing play areas and highlighted the unsuitability of certain materials and equipment used at some locations. The Report listed the play areas and clarified the current conditions highlighting the possible safety implications existing at specific play areas.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Committee note the Report insofar as its interest is concerned;

(2) the Play Areas Working Group be required to consider a strategic policy for the provision of play areas throughout the Western Isles, including recommendations relating to age groups where particular facilities are intended;

(3) following the adoption of such a policy the Play Areas Working Group be required to review the 1998 approved priority list; and

(4) pending the completion of the review the previous priority order be adhered to.

Arising out of consideration of this Report it was further agreed that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a Report to the next series of meetings with proposals for future action which would include community involvement.

Football Pitches in Stornoway

AL06.01.62

23*

With reference to item 80 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to sell the Acres pitch at Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that the capital receipt gained through the selling of this site could be used to finance other football pitches in or around the Stornoway area.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to approach the District Valuer to request a value on the Acres pitch site; and

(2) investigations are carried out into finding alternative sites for the development of a further two football pitches in or around the Stornoway area.

Former Library Site, Keith Street, Stornoway: Sale to Muirneag Housing Association

AL08.08

24*

With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a proposal to sell the former library site at Keith Street, Stornoway to Muirneag Housing Association, to develop that area to provide rented accommodation. The Report indicated that Muirneag Housing Association had requested that the area be sold as a cleared site and included an indicative valuation and site clearance costs.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Housing be authorised to seek the First Minister's approval for the sale of the former library site at Keith Street, Stornoway to Muirneag Housing Association for the cost of site clearance works plus 50% of the District Valuer's valuation; and

(2) the Director of Housing in conjunction with the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to complete the sale of the site.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Establishing Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme

AL04.11

25*

With reference to item 76 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the establishment of a Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme. The Report detailed the background to the linked work and training scheme, which was designed to meet the needs of the local communities through the provision of a training scheme which will simultaneously train local people to a professional level and continue to provide them with an income. The Report indicated that such a scheme could be implemented along with other interested organisations using a partnership funding formula similar to the approach adopted in Central Scotland and Grampian. The Report highlighted that a key factor in the success of these schemes was the establishment of a co-ordinator post and suggested that the post could be funded through a bid to the deprivation fund.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to:

(1) to establish in principal a training scheme;

(2) further develop the linked work and training scheme through negotiation with potential partner organisations and the voluntary sector; and

(3) consider the establishment of a Co-ordinator post with a bid for finance to the Comhairle's Deprivation Challenge fund.

Conditions on the Use of Comhairle Mini-Buses

AL06.06

26*

With reference to item 22 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an amendment to the conditions for the use of mini buses by community groups and voluntary organisations. The Report indicated that a national scheme of mini-bus permits was being run through the Lewis Council for Voluntary Services, MIDAS and was free to voluntary organisations across Lewis and Harris.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to grant formal recognition to the MIDAS scheme and that MIDAS scheme permit holders be included in the register of authorised drivers for Comhairle mini-buses.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

27

With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from the decision of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

APPENDIX 1

PER CAPITA: GRANTS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS 2000/2001

Per Capita Grants - Rates 1: "parent" organisations or federations, membership range 100 persons minimum to 2000 persons maximum - £3.00 per capita. (No change)

Per Capita Grants - Rate 2: other groups, 100 (50) persons minimum membership to 1000 maximum, but no local "parent" association or federation - £2.50 per capita. (No change).

Equipment Grants: grants towards the provision of permanent equipment for voluntary organisations - 30% of approved costs. No assistance towards the costs of consumable items. (No change).

National Mod, Mainland or Inter-Island Drama Festivals: £20 per participant, £450 maximum to any single recipient. Overnight residence away from home essential qualification for inter-island drama festivals. (no change).

Local Mods & Arts Festivals: £100 for the first and £80 for each successive day of the event; £500 upper limit to any one recipient. (No change).

Educational Youth Exchanges: Domestic Exchanges (within the United Kingdom and Eire £25 per participant; upper limit £500. International Exchanges £50 per participant; upper limit £1000. (No change).

Piping Societies & Pipe Bands: £70 per full band recital for a season of 10 recitals minimum, £700 upper limit. (No change).

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

Tribute: Mr Tony Wade C01.04		The Chairman welcomed Mr Tony Wade, newly appointed Sports Centre Manager to his first meeting of the Committee.
Tribute: The Nicolson institute C01.04		The Chairman referred to the Nicolson Institute Under 16 girls football team who had reached the final of the North of Scotland Cup and also the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, and wished the teams well for these competitions.
Tribute: Lewis and Harris Sports Festival C01.04		The Chairman congratulated the organisers of the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival on the 25th Anniversary Celebrations and referred to the commemorative magazine which was produced.
Tribute: Mairi Ann Macdonald C01.04		The Chairman extended congratulations to Mairi Ann Macdonald, Lingerbay who had recently been awarded with Local Service to Sport Award from Sport Scotland and the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils Award for outstanding voluntary efforts to support sports in Harris for over 30 years.
Tribute: Alasdair Dunlop C01.04		The Chairman congratulated Alasdair Dunlop who had recently won the 400m, 800m and 1500m races at the Scottish Veterans Indoor Athletics Championships held in Glasgow. The Chairman also indicated that Alasdair would participate in the European Veterans Championships in Finland later this year and wished him well for that event.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13	16	The Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 was approved.
		FINANCE
Per Capita Grants and Subscriptions 2000/2001 AL04.03	17*	With reference to item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 March 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report providing details of the expenditure on Community Education grants and subscriptions to 13 March 2000 and appending to the Report a list of all the organisations which had received grants. The Report detailed the proposed rates of payment for revenue grants for 2000/2001. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the revised rated of payment for per capita grants and subscriptions as detailed in Appendix 1 to the Minute; and (2) it be noted that retrospective grants would require Committee approval.
Request for Financial Assistance: National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Training Course AL05.03.27	18*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from two school children to attend a National Youth Orchestra of Scotland training session indicating that the cost of attending the course would be in the region of £1,005. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to: (1) meet the course fees for each child from the Youth Work budget; (2) meet air travel costs for each child from the Youth Work budget; and (3) meet 30% of the travel and subsistence costs of one accompanying adult from the Arts budget. The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need to have these matters dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle on the basis that these recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.
Ceolas Summer School 1999 AL05.03.47	19	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Visit to Millennium Dome to Stage McDonald's "Our Town Story": Request for Financial Assistance AL11.01	20	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the application for financial assistance towards a visit by school pupils and staff from throughout the Western Isles to the Millennium Dome in order to stage a production entitled "Our Town Story", sponsored by McDonalds which would reflect the Western Isles community through the ages. The Report indicated that the costs of the production were in the region of £75,000 of which £60,500 was secure leaving a shortfall of £14,500 which the Comhairle had been asked to meet. The Report recommended that: (a) £5,000 be contributed from the Education Committee (Schools Equipment Budget - Primary and Secondary);
		(b) £5,000 be contributed from the Arts and Leisure Committee (Events Budget); and (c) The remaining sum of £4,500 be considered by the Finance Sub-Committee to determine whether it can meet this shortfall. It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter until such time as the total sum of £14,500 could be found within the Education and Arts and Leisure Budgets.
		BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress PR03.02.01	21	With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 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.
Play Areas: Condition Report AL02.12	22*	With reference to item 138 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 November 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the condition of Comhairle owned play areas throughout the Western Isles. The Report identified the various problems which had been encountered at existing play areas and highlighted the unsuitability of certain materials and equipment used at some locations. The Report listed the play areas and clarified the current conditions highlighting the possible safety implications existing at specific play areas. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Committee note the Report insofar as its interest is concerned; (2) the Play Areas Working Group be required to consider a strategic policy for the provision of play areas throughout the Western Isles, including recommendations relating to age groups where particular facilities are intended; (3) following the adoption of such a policy the Play Areas Working Group be required to review the 1998 approved priority list; and (4) pending the completion of the review the previous priority order be adhered to. Arising out of consideration of this Report it was further agreed that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a Report to the next series of meetings with proposals for future action which would include community involvement.
Football Pitches in Stornoway AL06.01.62	23*	With reference to item 80 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to sell the Acres pitch at Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that the capital receipt gained through the selling of this site could be used to finance other football pitches in or around the Stornoway area. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to approach the District Valuer to request a value on the Acres pitch site; and
		(2) investigations are carried out into finding alternative sites for the development of a further two football pitches in or around the Stornoway area.
Former Library Site, Keith Street, Stornoway: Sale to Muirneag Housing Association AL08.08	24*	With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Housing submitted a Report concerning a proposal to sell the former library site at Keith Street, Stornoway to Muirneag Housing Association, to develop that area to provide rented accommodation. The Report indicated that Muirneag Housing Association had requested that the area be sold as a cleared site and included an indicative valuation and site clearance costs. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Housing be authorised to seek the First Minister's approval for the sale of the former library site at Keith Street, Stornoway to Muirneag Housing Association for the cost of site clearance works plus 50% of the District Valuer's valuation; and (2) the Director of Housing in conjunction with the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to complete the sale of the site.
		COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Establishing Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme AL04.11	25*	With reference to item 76 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the establishment of a Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme. The Report detailed the background to the linked work and training scheme, which was designed to meet the needs of the local communities through the provision of a training scheme which will simultaneously train local people to a professional level and continue to provide them with an income. The Report indicated that such a scheme could be implemented along with other interested organisations using a partnership funding formula similar to the approach adopted in Central Scotland and Grampian. The Report highlighted that a key factor in the success of these schemes was the establishment of a co-ordinator post and suggested that the post could be funded through a bid to the deprivation fund. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to: (1) to establish in principal a training scheme; (2) further develop the linked work and training scheme through negotiation with potential partner organisations and the voluntary sector; and (3) consider the establishment of a Co-ordinator post with a bid for finance to the Comhairle's Deprivation Challenge fund.
Conditions on the Use of Comhairle Mini-Buses AL06.06	26*	With reference to item 22 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 2000 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an amendment to the conditions for the use of mini buses by community groups and voluntary organisations. The Report indicated that a national scheme of mini-bus permits was being run through the Lewis Council for Voluntary Services, MIDAS and was free to voluntary organisations across Lewis and Harris. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to grant formal recognition to the MIDAS scheme and that MIDAS scheme permit holders be included in the register of authorised drivers for Comhairle mini-buses.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	27	With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 February 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from the decision of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.