AL9406

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 14 June 1994 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Donald Macleod (Chairman)

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr George Lonie

APOLOGIES

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

C02.13

AL01.01

20*

The Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994 was approved.

With reference to item 6 of the Minute, the Depute Director of Administration reported that the Council had been invited to nominate a representative to the Callanish Trust.

It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman be appointed to serve as the Council's representative on the Callanish Trust.

Sub-Committee

AL01.02

21

The Minute of Meeting of the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee of 1 June 1994 was noted.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL03.02.01

22

With reference to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for Arts and Leisure properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Town Hall

Main Electrical Switchboard

LB35.01

23*

The Director of Technical Services submitted proposals to upgrade the main electrical switchboard at the Town Hall and to reinstate the cable track from the Town Hall to the Emergency Generator at the Emergency Planning Office. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was proposed that the main switchboard be restructured and renewed so as to provide:

(1) up to date fuse protection instead of the existing wired fuses;

(2) only one Hydro-Electric meter to replace the separate metering of different parts of the building;

(3) three balanced phases under Council control. It was noted that phase balancing was currently the responsibility of Hydro-Electric plc; and

(4) an upgraded sub-main to An Lanntair to cope with increased loadings, resulting from additional use of electricity by the company.

It was stated that, in order to allow for settlement of the ground, final reinstatement of the Emergency Generator cable track across Cromwell Street had been left for six months and it was proposed that the reinstatement of this track be included in these works. It was indicated that the total estimated cost of the works, including fees, was £15,000 which would be met from the Arts and Leisure Revenue Budget 1994/95.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Town Hall Switchboard be renewed;

(2) the sub-main to An Lanntair be upgraded; and

(3) the Emergency Generator cable track be reinstated;

as detailed in the Report by the Director of Technical Services.

Macaulay Road Playing Field

AL02.06

24*

With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted Reports and relevant correspondence from Mr Allan Grant outlining the legal and technical conditions affecting the additional piece of land which the owner of The Trading Post wished to purchase at the Macaulay Road Playing Field. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. It was indicated that the open space restriction previously referred to would not apply if any new building did not extend beyond the existing front building line of The Trading Post. It was stated that an additional surface water sewer had been identified turning at right angles to the sewer alongside the existing building, and both sewers would have to be diverted by the owner of the Trading Post if he were to build on the land.

It was reported that the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee had visited the site on 1 June 1994. Following the site visit, the Sub-Committee had recommended for its interest that the Council do not sell the additional area of ground sought at the Macaulay Road Playing Field.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Council do not sell the additional area of ground at the Macaulay Road Playing Field; and

(2) discussions be undertaken with the owner of The Trading Post with a view to examining ways of overcoming the difficulties encountered in developing the area of ground which the Council had already agreed to sell to him.

Improved Provision at Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre:

Sauna

AL02.01.01

25*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to install sauna facilities at The Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. It was stated that there had been no demand for the planned "family" changing room at the Sports Centre and this area was considered suitable for a sauna facility. It was proposed that a 10-12 person sauna be installed in this area at an estimated cost of up to £4,500. It was indicated that the likely income from use of this facility was in excess of £14,000 per annum.

It was agreed to recommend that a sauna be installed at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre at an estimated cost of up to £4,500 and that the facility be available for community use within the current financial year.

Improved Provision at Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre:

Health and Fitness Suite

AL02.01.01

26*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to provide additional facilities and more effective use of space at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that the games deck area in the Sports Centre could be better utilised by establishing a health and fitness suite. It was stated that it would be possible to convert part of the upper games area into a Health and Fitness Suite while still retaining the space necessary to maintain the present commitment to aerobics and with only a slight reduction in the existing table tennis facility. The proposal to establish the Suite was set out in the Report, together with an outline of the expected benefits. It was stated that installing the Health and Fitness Suite could generate additional income for the Sports Centre. It was proposed that the installation be leased at an estimated cost of £16,100, the leasing costs being met from the income generated by the facility.

It was agreed to recommend that a Health and Fitness Suite be developed at The Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, the costs to be met from expected income from use of this facility, and the facility be made available to the community in the current financial year.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Adult Education:

Taigh Chearsabhagh

Trust:

Application for Financial Assistance

AL04.01

27*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust towards the costs of a programme of textile development courses in 1994/95. Details of the Programme were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust be awarded a revenue grant of £500 to underwrite part of its Textile Development Course Programme for 1994/95, and that consideration be given later in the financial year, in light of the actual expenditure incurred from the budget for Adult Education, to an additional grant to the Trust.

THE ARTS

Comunn Feis Bharraigh:

Application for Grant:

Feis 1994

AL05.02.21

28*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Comunn Feis Bharraigh for financial assistance towards the costs of the 1994 Feis Bharraigh. Details of the application were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report. It was indicated that applications were expected from other Feisean organisations, and it was suggested that grants to support all Feisean be increased by 33% on their 1993 grant.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Feis Bharraigh receive a grant of £1,000 in support of the 1994 Feis;

(2) the Feisean organisations receive similar levels of increased support in 1994; and

(3) to the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to make grants to the Local Feisean at the increased level.

Lewis Pipe Band:
Appointment of Representative

AL05.02.01

29*

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning a request from the Lewis Pipe Band that the Council appoint a representative to the Lewis Pipe Band Committee. The Committee was asked to determine the matter.

It was agreed to recommend that Mr Donald Murray be appointed to represent the Council on the Lewis Pipe Band Committee.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Stornoway Golf Club:

Application for Funding

AL06.01.04

30*

With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 19 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Stornoway Golf Club for financial assistance towards the cost of upgrading works at Stornoway Golf Course. Details of the application were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report. It was indicated that the sum of £18,000 had been included in the Council's Capital Funding from Current Revenue programme in respect of the project.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Stornoway Golf Club be awarded a grant of £18,000 towards its upgrading project, subject to confirmation by the Club that it had secured all necessary funding for the project to proceed; and

(2) the funding be set against the 1994/95 Capital Funding from Current Revenue Programme, as agreed by the Council.

Stornoway Bowling Club:

Application for Funding

AL06.01.46

31*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Stornoway Bowling Club for financial assistance towards the costs involved to remedy the deficiencies of the existing bowling green and to build a clubhouse. Details of the application were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report. It was stated that provision of £30,000 had been included in the Capital Funding from Current Revenue programme in respect of this project.

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Stornoway Old People's Welfare Association to waive certain conditions in its title to allow it to lease an area of ground to Stornoway Bowling Club on which to build the proposed Clubhouse. It was indicated that in 1968 the association had been sold just over four acres of land for a bowling and tennis ground. The Association had requested that two of the conditions of sale be waived by the Council as follows:

(1) that no building may be erected without the consent of the feudal superiors (the Council) and that the subjects shall be used only as a "recreation ground for the exercise of the public at reasonable times". It was stated that Stornoway Bowling Club wished to take a lease of part of the ground on which to build a Clubhouse; and

(2) the title deed in respect of a further narrow piece of ground sold to the Association had not been recorded in the Register of Sasines within three months of being signed. The time limit had been exceeded by 15 days and the Association had requested that this condition be waived retrospectively to ensure that a good title could be passed on.

Mr Callum I Macmillan, seconded by Mr George Lonie, moved that the Council provide financial support for the development of the bowling green based on the total estimated cost of the project of £17,500 and that consideration of financial assistance towards the cost of erecting a clubhouse for Stornoway Bowling Club be deferred pending:

(1) the identification of needs for similar accommodation by other organisations using nearby sporting facilities, and

(2) further information on the Club's financial status.

Mr Donald I Nicolson, seconded by Mr Alasdair Nicholson, moved as an amendment that:

(1) Stornoway Bowling Club be allocated a grant of £30,000 towards its club project, subject to confirmation by the Club that it had secured all necessary funding for the project to proceed; and

(2) the funding be set against the 1994/95 Capital Funding from Current Revenue Programme, as agreed by the Council.

On the matter being put to the vote, the motion received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.

LIBRARY SERVICE

Community Library:

Daliburgh School,

Post of Library Assistant

AL.08.02

32*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to establish a part-time post of Library Assistant for the Community Library at Daliburgh School. It was stated that this service had previously been provided using excess teaching staff time which had arisen following the commissioning of Sgoil Lionacleit. It was indicated that the estimated cost of £2,350 could met through the virement of savings achieved in teaching staff costs following the elimination of surplus teaching hours at Daliburgh School.

It was agreed to recommend the establishment of a post of Library Assistant based at the Community Library, Daliburgh School, with effect from 16 August 1994, the actual opening hours of the Community Library to be decided by the Chief Librarian in consultation with the local community.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Comuinn Eachdraidh Scheme:
Phase 2

AL09.01

33*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the second phase of the Scheme for Financial Assistance for Comuinn Eachdraidh. It was stated that, in the first phase of the Scheme, a total of seven societies had been assisted throughout the Western Isles. The funding had contributed to the purchase of information technology hardware and software and to the appointment of part-time staff for the Comuinn. It was indicated that the funding was intended to assist the Comuinn towards employing an assistant to undertake work which would contribute to the understanding of the historical, cultural and environmental heritage and assist the societies in their future development. The Scheme had been set up in 1993 and it was intended that it would continue into a second year. The relevant funding agencies, Western Isles Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and LEADER, had indicated that they were prepared to fund the Scheme for a second year and had requested the Council to participate in the same way as in Phase 1. It was stated that the projected funding from the Council was £5,000 which could be met from the Council's LEADER budget.

It was agreed to recommend that £5,000 be allocated from the LEADER budget to the second phase of the Comuinn Eachdraidh Scheme, subject to the Council being satisfied regarding the quality of each application submitted.

______

PRESENT	Mr Donald Macleod (Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Macdonald	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Angus M Graham	Mr Callum I Macmillan
	Mr Alasdair Nicholson	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Donald Murray	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr George Lonie

APOLOGIES	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure C02.13 AL01.01	20*	The Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994 was approved. With reference to item 6 of the Minute, the Depute Director of Administration reported that the Council had been invited to nominate a representative to the Callanish Trust. It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman be appointed to serve as the Council's representative on the Callanish Trust.
Sub-Committee AL01.02	21	The Minute of Meeting of the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee of 1 June 1994 was noted.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Capital Works Programme and Progress AL03.02.01	22	With reference to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for Arts and Leisure properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
Town Hall Main Electrical Switchboard LB35.01	23*	The Director of Technical Services submitted proposals to upgrade the main electrical switchboard at the Town Hall and to reinstate the cable track from the Town Hall to the Emergency Generator at the Emergency Planning Office. The background to the matter was outlined in the Report. It was proposed that the main switchboard be restructured and renewed so as to provide:
		(1) up to date fuse protection instead of the existing wired fuses; (2) only one Hydro-Electric meter to replace the separate metering of different parts of the building; (3) three balanced phases under Council control. It was noted that phase balancing was currently the responsibility of Hydro-Electric plc; and (4) an upgraded sub-main to An Lanntair to cope with increased loadings, resulting from additional use of electricity by the company.
		It was stated that, in order to allow for settlement of the ground, final reinstatement of the Emergency Generator cable track across Cromwell Street had been left for six months and it was proposed that the reinstatement of this track be included in these works. It was indicated that the total estimated cost of the works, including fees, was £15,000 which would be met from the Arts and Leisure Revenue Budget 1994/95.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Town Hall Switchboard be renewed; (2) the sub-main to An Lanntair be upgraded; and (3) the Emergency Generator cable track be reinstated; as detailed in the Report by the Director of Technical Services.
Macaulay Road Playing Field AL02.06	24*	With reference to item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted Reports and relevant correspondence from Mr Allan Grant outlining the legal and technical conditions affecting the additional piece of land which the owner of The Trading Post wished to purchase at the Macaulay Road Playing Field. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. It was indicated that the open space restriction previously referred to would not apply if any new building did not extend beyond the existing front building line of The Trading Post. It was stated that an additional surface water sewer had been identified turning at right angles to the sewer alongside the existing building, and both sewers would have to be diverted by the owner of the Trading Post if he were to build on the land.
		It was reported that the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee had visited the site on 1 June 1994. Following the site visit, the Sub-Committee had recommended for its interest that the Council do not sell the additional area of ground sought at the Macaulay Road Playing Field.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Council do not sell the additional area of ground at the Macaulay Road Playing Field; and (2) discussions be undertaken with the owner of The Trading Post with a view to examining ways of overcoming the difficulties encountered in developing the area of ground which the Council had already agreed to sell to him.
Improved Provision at Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre: Sauna AL02.01.01	25*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to install sauna facilities at The Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. It was stated that there had been no demand for the planned "family" changing room at the Sports Centre and this area was considered suitable for a sauna facility. It was proposed that a 10-12 person sauna be installed in this area at an estimated cost of up to £4,500. It was indicated that the likely income from use of this facility was in excess of £14,000 per annum.
		It was agreed to recommend that a sauna be installed at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre at an estimated cost of up to £4,500 and that the facility be available for community use within the current financial year.
Improved Provision at Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre: Health and Fitness Suite AL02.01.01	26*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to provide additional facilities and more effective use of space at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that the games deck area in the Sports Centre could be better utilised by establishing a health and fitness suite. It was stated that it would be possible to convert part of the upper games area into a Health and Fitness Suite while still retaining the space necessary to maintain the present commitment to aerobics and with only a slight reduction in the existing table tennis facility. The proposal to establish the Suite was set out in the Report, together with an outline of the expected benefits. It was stated that installing the Health and Fitness Suite could generate additional income for the Sports Centre. It was proposed that the installation be leased at an estimated cost of £16,100, the leasing costs being met from the income generated by the facility.
		It was agreed to recommend that a Health and Fitness Suite be developed at The Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, the costs to be met from expected income from use of this facility, and the facility be made available to the community in the current financial year.
		COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Adult Education: Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust: Application for Financial Assistance AL04.01	27*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust towards the costs of a programme of textile development courses in 1994/95. Details of the Programme were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust be awarded a revenue grant of £500 to underwrite part of its Textile Development Course Programme for 1994/95, and that consideration be given later in the financial year, in light of the actual expenditure incurred from the budget for Adult Education, to an additional grant to the Trust.
		THE ARTS
Comunn Feis Bharraigh: Application for Grant: Feis 1994 AL05.02.21	28*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Comunn Feis Bharraigh for financial assistance towards the costs of the 1994 Feis Bharraigh. Details of the application were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report. It was indicated that applications were expected from other Feisean organisations, and it was suggested that grants to support all Feisean be increased by 33% on their 1993 grant.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Feis Bharraigh receive a grant of £1,000 in support of the 1994 Feis; (2) the Feisean organisations receive similar levels of increased support in 1994; and (3) to the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to make grants to the Local Feisean at the increased level.
Lewis Pipe Band: Appointment of Representative AL05.02.01	29*	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning a request from the Lewis Pipe Band that the Council appoint a representative to the Lewis Pipe Band Committee. The Committee was asked to determine the matter. It was agreed to recommend that Mr Donald Murray be appointed to represent the Council on the Lewis Pipe Band Committee.

		SPORTS AND RECREATION
Stornoway Golf Club: Application for Funding AL06.01.04	30*	With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 19 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Stornoway Golf Club for financial assistance towards the cost of upgrading works at Stornoway Golf Course. Details of the application were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report. It was indicated that the sum of £18,000 had been included in the Council's Capital Funding from Current Revenue programme in respect of the project.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Stornoway Golf Club be awarded a grant of £18,000 towards its upgrading project, subject to confirmation by the Club that it had secured all necessary funding for the project to proceed; and (2) the funding be set against the 1994/95 Capital Funding from Current Revenue Programme, as agreed by the Council.
Stornoway Bowling Club: Application for Funding AL06.01.46	31*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Stornoway Bowling Club for financial assistance towards the costs involved to remedy the deficiencies of the existing bowling green and to build a clubhouse. Details of the application were appended to the Report. Comments on the application were set out in the Report. It was stated that provision of £30,000 had been included in the Capital Funding from Current Revenue programme in respect of this project.
		The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Stornoway Old People's Welfare Association to waive certain conditions in its title to allow it to lease an area of ground to Stornoway Bowling Club on which to build the proposed Clubhouse. It was indicated that in 1968 the association had been sold just over four acres of land for a bowling and tennis ground. The Association had requested that two of the conditions of sale be waived by the Council as follows:
		(1) that no building may be erected without the consent of the feudal superiors (the Council) and that the subjects shall be used only as a "recreation ground for the exercise of the public at reasonable times". It was stated that Stornoway Bowling Club wished to take a lease of part of the ground on which to build a Clubhouse; and (2) the title deed in respect of a further narrow piece of ground sold to the Association had not been recorded in the Register of Sasines within three months of being signed. The time limit had been exceeded by 15 days and the Association had requested that this condition be waived retrospectively to ensure that a good title could be passed on.
		Mr Callum I Macmillan, seconded by Mr George Lonie, moved that the Council provide financial support for the development of the bowling green based on the total estimated cost of the project of £17,500 and that consideration of financial assistance towards the cost of erecting a clubhouse for Stornoway Bowling Club be deferred pending: (1) the identification of needs for similar accommodation by other organisations using nearby sporting facilities, and (2) further information on the Club's financial status.
		Mr Donald I Nicolson, seconded by Mr Alasdair Nicholson, moved as an amendment that:
		(1) Stornoway Bowling Club be allocated a grant of £30,000 towards its club project, subject to confirmation by the Club that it had secured all necessary funding for the project to proceed; and (2) the funding be set against the 1994/95 Capital Funding from Current Revenue Programme, as agreed by the Council.
		On the matter being put to the vote, the motion received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
		LIBRARY SERVICE
Community Library: Daliburgh School, Post of Library Assistant AL.08.02	32*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to establish a part-time post of Library Assistant for the Community Library at Daliburgh School. It was stated that this service had previously been provided using excess teaching staff time which had arisen following the commissioning of Sgoil Lionacleit. It was indicated that the estimated cost of £2,350 could met through the virement of savings achieved in teaching staff costs following the elimination of surplus teaching hours at Daliburgh School.
		It was agreed to recommend the establishment of a post of Library Assistant based at the Community Library, Daliburgh School, with effect from 16 August 1994, the actual opening hours of the Community Library to be decided by the Chief Librarian in consultation with the local community.
		MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Comuinn Eachdraidh Scheme: Phase 2 AL09.01	33*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the second phase of the Scheme for Financial Assistance for Comuinn Eachdraidh. It was stated that, in the first phase of the Scheme, a total of seven societies had been assisted throughout the Western Isles. The funding had contributed to the purchase of information technology hardware and software and to the appointment of part-time staff for the Comuinn. It was indicated that the funding was intended to assist the Comuinn towards employing an assistant to undertake work which would contribute to the understanding of the historical, cultural and environmental heritage and assist the societies in their future development. The Scheme had been set up in 1993 and it was intended that it would continue into a second year. The relevant funding agencies, Western Isles Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and LEADER, had indicated that they were prepared to fund the Scheme for a second year and had requested the Council to participate in the same way as in Phase 1. It was stated that the projected funding from the Council was £5,000 which could be met from the Council's LEADER budget.
		It was agreed to recommend that £5,000 be allocated from the LEADER budget to the second phase of the Comuinn Eachdraidh Scheme, subject to the Council being satisfied regarding the quality of each application submitted.
______