AL9410

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 4 October 1994 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Donald Macleod (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr George Lonie

Mrs Christina McNeill

APOLOGIES

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

C02.13

54

The Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994 was approved.

FINANCE

Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure 1995-99

AL03.02

55*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining the draft Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure for 1995-99 in respect of the Council's various programmes of Capital Expenditure.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, approval of the Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure 1995-99 for Education and for General Services.

Capital Grants to Local Voluntary Organisations

AL03.01

56*

With reference to Item 151 of the Minute of Meeting of the Education Committee of 21 September 1993, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted the Priority List for Capital Grant Projects for the financial year 1995/96 and 1996/97. The position regarding Capital Grant Applications was outlined. It was indicated that in recent years a number of projects had been submitted to the Council for which no progress had been made by the sponsors in making formal applications. The Report advised that the Scottish Office Education Department had requested that Priority Programmes for Capital Grants to Voluntary Organisations for 1995/96 be submitted by 14 October 1994. The Priority Programme for the purpose of meeting the SOED's requirements was set out in the Report, on the basis that final approval of each project would be subject to a detailed Report to the Council concerning specific projects before any final allocations could be made.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the Priority Programme for Capital Grant Projects for the financial years 1995/96 and 1996/97 as follows:

PROJECT

CAPITAL

REVENUE

1995/96

Barra Community Cultural Centre

£50,000

Vatersay Community Hall

£50,000

Unallocated

£11,000

1996/97

Benbecula Community Centre

£50,000

Unallocated

£50,000

£11,000

(2) that provision of £100,000 be included in years 1 and 2 of the Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure for Education 1995-99 in respect of the scheme of Capital Grants to Local Voluntary Organisations; and

(3) that the Barra Community Cultural Centre Project be included in the Council's list of projects for Objective 1 Funding in February 1995.

Mr Donald Murray, having declared an interest, left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.

The Arts: Revenue Grants 1994/95

AL05.01 AL03.03

57*

With reference to Item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the provision in the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure 1994/95 in respect of grants towards the Arts. It was stated that total provision of £23,000 had been included in the Revenue Estimates, including growth of £15,000 over the 1993/94 provision. The additional funds had enabled support for Arts Activities to be increased over that available in previous years. As a result, the volume of requests for grants had risen, as had the size of the individual requests. Details of grants awarded to date, applications received as at 15 September 1994 and estimated requests due by 31 October 1994 were appended to the Report. It was estimated that the total of grant requests would exceed the budgetary provision by £8,300. It was stated that uncommitted funds available totalled £580. Proposals for meeting some of the requests were outlined and it was suggested that consideration be given to the inclusion of a sum of £7,000 in the 1995/96 Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure as desirable growth for the Arts.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a Revenue Grant of £550 be awarded to Sir E Scott Mod Parents' Committee from the provision remaining in the Revenue Budget for Other Provision (The Arts) 1994/95;

(2) grants totalling £1,050 be made from Section 24 of the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust to the following groups;

Laxdale Gaelic Choir - £550

Lewis Highland Dancing Society - £300

Point Players Drama Group - £200

(3) the requests from National Arts Agencies for Block Grants for 1994/95 be declined; and

(4) consideration be given to the inclusion of desirable growth of £7,000 in the context of the preparation of the 1995/96 Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure.

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL03.02.01

58

LAND AND BUILDINGS

With reference to Item 39 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 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.

Stornoway Town Hall: Application for Rent Reduction

LB35.01

59

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from the Western Isles Accident Prevention Inter-Agency Group for free use of Stornoway Town Hall for a safety exhibition between 3 and 5 November 1994. The background to the request was set out in the Report. It was indicated that the cost of granting the request would be £255.

It was agreed that the Accident Prevention Inter-Agency Group be granted the free use of Stornoway Town Hall from 3 to 5 November 1994 at a cost of £255 in lost income.

Outdoor Centre Enhancement

AL02.02.02

60*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining a proposal to utilise Vatersay School as an outdoor centre. It was indicated that the use of Vatersay School as a second outdoor centre would allow opportunities for water based activities, walking, climbing and environmental studies on both Vatersay and Barra. The facility would be of particular benefit to pupils from Uist schools and it was hoped that, once established, the Centre would attract mainland groups leading to a similar pattern of use as currently seen at the Valtos Outdoor Centre. It was indicated that a Minute of Waiver would be required from the Department of Agriculture to permit the proposed change of use of the school to an outdoor centre. It was stated that a further Report would be submitted to the Committee detailing the financial implications of establishing an outdoor centre at Vatersay.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that:

(1) the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to negotiate with the Scottish Office with a view to obtaining a Minute of Waiver to enable the development of Vatersay School as an Outdoor Centre;

(2) approval in principle be given to the transfer of Vatersay School from the Education Account to the Arts and Leisure Account with a view to developing the school as an Outdoor Centre; and

(3) consideration be given, in the context of the preparation of the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure 1995/96 to the inclusion of adequate provision to operate the Centre, as a desirable growth element.

Future Development of the Nicholson Lewis Sports Centre

AL02.01

61*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining possible future developments within the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre to increase and improve the leisure facilities available to both school pupils and the general public. Developments were proposed in the following areas:

cafeteria

soft play area

steam room

spa pool

learner/trainer pool

giant slide/flume

squash and badminton

all-weather playing area

parking

turning space/drop off point.

Comments on each facility were set out in the Report. It was noted that the enhancement involving the cafeteria, soft play area, steam room and spa pool could be undertaken within the existing building. Development of a learner/training pool, giant slide/flume and squash and badminton courts would require additional building work to extend the Sports Centre. It was stated that the provision of an all-weather playing area and additional parking would be considered as part of the remit of the Playing Fields Member/Officer Working Group which had been established recently. It was noted that the Director of Technical Services was considering the provision of turning space or drop off point at the Sports Centre. Guidance was sought as to the order of priority to be adopted in addressing the issued raised.

It was agreed to recommend that, prior to establishing a Priority Programme for improvements at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, a market research study be undertaken to identify the community's priorities for improvements to facilities at the Centre.

Purchase of the Acres Boys Club Building

AL03.01.23

E02.27.04

62*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to purchase the Acres Boys' Club Building. A Project Initiation Report was appended to the Report setting out a description of the project, the policy objectives involved, the justification for the proposals and related issues including specific requirements and alternative options. It was indicated that there was demand for educational/school use of the building and community interest in leisure activities which could be met through the purchase of the building by the Council. It was reported that the ground on which the building stood was currently leased from the Stornoway Trust. The current Lease was unsatisfactory for the Council's purposes and it would be necessary to negotiate suitable variations in the terms of the Lease with the Stornoway Trust. It was indicated that a further Report would be submitted to the Committee following the proposed negotiations with the Trustees of the Acres Boys Club and the Stornoway Trust.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest:

(1) approval in principle of the purchase of the Acres Boys Club Building; and

(2) that Officers be authorised to enter into negotiations with the Trustees of the Acres Boys Club concerning the purchase of the building and with the Stornoway Trust concerning the terms of the ground lease;

subject to a further Report being submitted to the Committee following the conclusion of the negotiations.

THE ARTS

An Exhibition to Celebrate the 10th Year of An Lanntair: "Calanais"

AL05.02.29

63*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from An Lanntair towards the costs of an exhibition being created to celebrate the Gallery's 10th Anniversary in 1995. Details of the project were appended to the Report. It was stated that An Lanntair were seeking a grant contribution from the Council of £5,000 over a two year period. It was indicated that no provision remained within the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure to provide the assistance sought.

It was agreed to recommend that, due to the current lack of funding available within the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure, no financial assistance be granted towards the Project within the current financial year.

Tae Kwon Do World Championships 1994: Application for Financial Assistance

AL06.01

64

SPORTS AND RECREATION

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Colin Maciver, Back, Isle of Lewis, towards the costs of his participation in the 1994 GTF Tae Kwon Do Karate World Championships. The Report set out the background to the request and commented on the application.

It was agreed that:

(1) congratulations be offered to Colin Maciver on being selected to represent Scotland in the 1994 Tae Kwon Do Championships; and

(2) financial assistance totalling £350 be awarded to Colin Maciver as follows:

Other Leisure Provision (Sports and Games) - £175

Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust (Section 21) - £175.

YOUTH WORK

Western Isles Duke of Edinburgh's Award: Progress Report

AL07.01.16

65

With reference to Item 51 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Progress Report on the Western Isles Duke of Edinburgh's Award Project for the period 8 September 1993 to 31 August 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

LIBRARY SERVICE

Castlebay Community Library: Opening Hours

AL08.02

66*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposed adjustments to the opening hours at Castlebay Community Library. It was indicated that a proposed change in the schools hours from October 1994 would result in the reduction of the Library service available for the school unless library hours were adjusted. Following consultation with Library and School Staff in Castlebay it was proposed to adjust the Library closing times in such a way as to maintain the number of hours the Library was available for the community, pupils and teachers.

It was agreed to recommend approval of revised opening hours for Castlebay Community Library as follows:

Monday, Wednesday 09.00 - 16.30

Tuesday, Thursday 09.00 - 16.30

18.00 - 20.00

Friday 09.00 - 15.30

Saturday 10.00 - 12.30

MUSEUM AND GALLERIES

Storage: Museum

AL09.01

67*

With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to carry out a survey of Museum storage needs on the old County Hospital Site. A Project Initiation Report was appended to the Report setting out a description of the Project, the policy objectives involved, the justification for the Project and a number of related matters, including specific requirements and alternative options. The current situation concerning the storage of the Museum's collections in Stornoway was outlined in the Report. It was indicated that the estimated cost of the survey was £3,400.

It was agreed to recommend that a survey of Museum storage needs at the County Hospital Site be carried out at an estimated cost of £3,400 in order to prepare a fully costed scheme, the costs to be meet from savings on property costs within the Museum's Revenue Budget 1994/95 arising from the continued closure of the Francis Street Building, subject to consideration at the half yearly review.

Museum Storage: Torlum

AL09.01

68*

With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to establish Museum storage at Torlum Old School, Benbecula. A Project Initiation Report was appended to the Report setting out a description of the Project, the policy objectives involved, the justification for the Project and related matters, including specific requirements and alternative options. It was stated that work scheduled in the current financial year to create Museum storage facilities at Torlum had not proceeded due to the need to commit the capital funding to the Francis Street Building. The grant from the Scottish Museums Council in respect of this project could not be taken up in the current financial year and it would be necessary to submit an application to SMC for funding in 1995/96. It was stated that the estimated cost of the project was £46,562. It was indicated that, in addition to seeking financial assistance from the Scottish Museums Council, the eligibility of the Scheme for support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund would be investigated.

It was agreed to recommend that consideration be given to provision being made within the Capital Expenditure Programme for General Services 1995/96 in respect of the Project to create Museum storage at Torlum Old School, Benbecula, in order to enable an application to be submitted to the Scottish Museums Council for matching funding for the scheme.

Year of Archaeology

AL10.01

69*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a proposal to designate 1995 as a year of Archaeology for the Western Isles. It was indicated that a number of related events were proposed for 1995 in Lewis, including the opening of the Museum in Stornoway with an exhibition on the Archaeology of the Island, including the Lewis Chess Men and significant pieces on loan from the National Museums of Scotland, a possible Chess Tournament , a Conference on the Pre-History of the Western Isles to accompany the exhibition, An Lanntair exhibition on Calanais and the opening of the Resource/Study Centre at Grianan. It was noted that the events could be marketed collectively to promote the Islands and attract visitors. It was suggested that the potential of such promotion and marketing could be enhanced if these events formed the core of a larger programme extending from Easter until October under the theme of Archaeology. A number of Project proposals were outlined in the Report. It was proposed that the Council seek Objective 1 Funding towards the costs of supporting the Year of Archaeology. It was suggested that the detailed work in drawing up a costed and co-ordinated Programme be undertaken through a short-term commission for a period of 4 months at an estimate cost of £8,000. It was stated that 50% of the initial project costs could be met from outside sources.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the designation of 1995 as Year of Archaeology for the Western Isles; and

(2) that consideration be given in the context of the Mid Year Review of Revenue Expenditure and particularly in the event of the restoration of the LEADER Budget, to the allocation of £4,000 towards the costs of a Project Co-ordination Commission to draw up a costed programme for a Year of Archaeology to be submitted for Objective 1 Funding.

TOURISM

Objective 1 Projects: Tourism Marketing: The '45 Rising and the Hebrides

AL10.01

70*

With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the proposed Objective 1 Application for the Tourism Theme relating to the 250th Anniversary of the '45 Rising. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. Details of the Project, including costings, were appended to the Report. It was stated that the Scottish Arts Council, Western Isles Tourist Board, Western Isles Enterprise and the Council had agreed to provide financial support for the Project, together with sponsorship from the private sector. Funding for the Project would be spread over two financial years. It was stated that Tourism was an important industry in the Western Isles and there was a particular need to diversify the economic base of Uist. It was indicated that the Tourism Industry was becoming increasing competitive and it was considered essential that the Western Isles use the cultural and ecological attributes it possessed in order to develop the Industry locally.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the '45 Rising and the Hebrides Project as an Objective 1 Application on the basis set out in the Report by the Chief Executive.

___

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

APOLOGIES	Mr Alasdair G Macrae

		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure C02.13	54	The Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994 was approved.
		FINANCE
Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure 1995-99 AL03.02	55*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report outlining the draft Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure for 1995-99 in respect of the Council's various programmes of Capital Expenditure. It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, approval of the Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure 1995-99 for Education and for General Services.
Capital Grants to Local Voluntary Organisations AL03.01	56*	With reference to Item 151 of the Minute of Meeting of the Education Committee of 21 September 1993, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted the Priority List for Capital Grant Projects for the financial year 1995/96 and 1996/97. The position regarding Capital Grant Applications was outlined. It was indicated that in recent years a number of projects had been submitted to the Council for which no progress had been made by the sponsors in making formal applications. The Report advised that the Scottish Office Education Department had requested that Priority Programmes for Capital Grants to Voluntary Organisations for 1995/96 be submitted by 14 October 1994. The Priority Programme for the purpose of meeting the SOED's requirements was set out in the Report, on the basis that final approval of each project would be subject to a detailed Report to the Council concerning specific projects before any final allocations could be made.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the Priority Programme for Capital Grant Projects for the financial years 1995/96 and 1996/97 as follows:

PROJECT	CAPITAL	REVENUE
1995/96
Barra Community Cultural Centre	£50,000
Vatersay Community Hall	£50,000
Unallocated		£11,000
1996/97
Benbecula Community Centre	£50,000
Unallocated	£50,000	£11,000

		(2) that provision of £100,000 be included in years 1 and 2 of the Financial Plan of Capital Expenditure for Education 1995-99 in respect of the scheme of Capital Grants to Local Voluntary Organisations; and (3) that the Barra Community Cultural Centre Project be included in the Council's list of projects for Objective 1 Funding in February 1995.
		Mr Donald Murray, having declared an interest, left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.
The Arts: Revenue Grants 1994/95 AL05.01 AL03.03	57*	With reference to Item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the provision in the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure 1994/95 in respect of grants towards the Arts. It was stated that total provision of £23,000 had been included in the Revenue Estimates, including growth of £15,000 over the 1993/94 provision. The additional funds had enabled support for Arts Activities to be increased over that available in previous years. As a result, the volume of requests for grants had risen, as had the size of the individual requests. Details of grants awarded to date, applications received as at 15 September 1994 and estimated requests due by 31 October 1994 were appended to the Report. It was estimated that the total of grant requests would exceed the budgetary provision by £8,300. It was stated that uncommitted funds available totalled £580. Proposals for meeting some of the requests were outlined and it was suggested that consideration be given to the inclusion of a sum of £7,000 in the 1995/96 Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure as desirable growth for the Arts.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a Revenue Grant of £550 be awarded to Sir E Scott Mod Parents' Committee from the provision remaining in the Revenue Budget for Other Provision (The Arts) 1994/95; (2) grants totalling £1,050 be made from Section 24 of the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust to the following groups; Laxdale Gaelic Choir - £550 Lewis Highland Dancing Society - £300 Point Players Drama Group - £200 (3) the requests from National Arts Agencies for Block Grants for 1994/95 be declined; and
		(4) consideration be given to the inclusion of desirable growth of £7,000 in the context of the preparation of the 1995/96 Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure.

Capital Works Programme and Progress AL03.02.01	58	LAND AND BUILDINGS With reference to Item 39 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 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.
Stornoway Town Hall: Application for Rent Reduction LB35.01	59	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from the Western Isles Accident Prevention Inter-Agency Group for free use of Stornoway Town Hall for a safety exhibition between 3 and 5 November 1994. The background to the request was set out in the Report. It was indicated that the cost of granting the request would be £255.
		It was agreed that the Accident Prevention Inter-Agency Group be granted the free use of Stornoway Town Hall from 3 to 5 November 1994 at a cost of £255 in lost income.
Outdoor Centre Enhancement AL02.02.02	60*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining a proposal to utilise Vatersay School as an outdoor centre. It was indicated that the use of Vatersay School as a second outdoor centre would allow opportunities for water based activities, walking, climbing and environmental studies on both Vatersay and Barra. The facility would be of particular benefit to pupils from Uist schools and it was hoped that, once established, the Centre would attract mainland groups leading to a similar pattern of use as currently seen at the Valtos Outdoor Centre. It was indicated that a Minute of Waiver would be required from the Department of Agriculture to permit the proposed change of use of the school to an outdoor centre. It was stated that a further Report would be submitted to the Committee detailing the financial implications of establishing an outdoor centre at Vatersay.
		It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that: (1) the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to negotiate with the Scottish Office with a view to obtaining a Minute of Waiver to enable the development of Vatersay School as an Outdoor Centre; (2) approval in principle be given to the transfer of Vatersay School from the Education Account to the Arts and Leisure Account with a view to developing the school as an Outdoor Centre; and (3) consideration be given, in the context of the preparation of the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure 1995/96 to the inclusion of adequate provision to operate the Centre, as a desirable growth element.
Future Development of the Nicholson Lewis Sports Centre AL02.01	61*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining possible future developments within the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre to increase and improve the leisure facilities available to both school pupils and the general public. Developments were proposed in the following areas: cafeteria soft play area steam room spa pool learner/trainer pool giant slide/flume squash and badminton all-weather playing area parking turning space/drop off point.
		Comments on each facility were set out in the Report. It was noted that the enhancement involving the cafeteria, soft play area, steam room and spa pool could be undertaken within the existing building. Development of a learner/training pool, giant slide/flume and squash and badminton courts would require additional building work to extend the Sports Centre. It was stated that the provision of an all-weather playing area and additional parking would be considered as part of the remit of the Playing Fields Member/Officer Working Group which had been established recently. It was noted that the Director of Technical Services was considering the provision of turning space or drop off point at the Sports Centre. Guidance was sought as to the order of priority to be adopted in addressing the issued raised.
		It was agreed to recommend that, prior to establishing a Priority Programme for improvements at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, a market research study be undertaken to identify the community's priorities for improvements to facilities at the Centre.
Purchase of the Acres Boys Club Building AL03.01.23 E02.27.04	62*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to purchase the Acres Boys' Club Building. A Project Initiation Report was appended to the Report setting out a description of the project, the policy objectives involved, the justification for the proposals and related issues including specific requirements and alternative options. It was indicated that there was demand for educational/school use of the building and community interest in leisure activities which could be met through the purchase of the building by the Council. It was reported that the ground on which the building stood was currently leased from the Stornoway Trust. The current Lease was unsatisfactory for the Council's purposes and it would be necessary to negotiate suitable variations in the terms of the Lease with the Stornoway Trust. It was indicated that a further Report would be submitted to the Committee following the proposed negotiations with the Trustees of the Acres Boys Club and the Stornoway Trust.
		It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest:
		(1) approval in principle of the purchase of the Acres Boys Club Building; and (2) that Officers be authorised to enter into negotiations with the Trustees of the Acres Boys Club concerning the purchase of the building and with the Stornoway Trust concerning the terms of the ground lease;
		subject to a further Report being submitted to the Committee following the conclusion of the negotiations.
		THE ARTS
An Exhibition to Celebrate the 10th Year of An Lanntair: "Calanais" AL05.02.29	63*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from An Lanntair towards the costs of an exhibition being created to celebrate the Gallery's 10th Anniversary in 1995. Details of the project were appended to the Report. It was stated that An Lanntair were seeking a grant contribution from the Council of £5,000 over a two year period. It was indicated that no provision remained within the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure to provide the assistance sought.
		It was agreed to recommend that, due to the current lack of funding available within the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure, no financial assistance be granted towards the Project within the current financial year.

Tae Kwon Do World Championships 1994: Application for Financial Assistance AL06.01	64	SPORTS AND RECREATION The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Colin Maciver, Back, Isle of Lewis, towards the costs of his participation in the 1994 GTF Tae Kwon Do Karate World Championships. The Report set out the background to the request and commented on the application. It was agreed that: (1) congratulations be offered to Colin Maciver on being selected to represent Scotland in the 1994 Tae Kwon Do Championships; and (2) financial assistance totalling £350 be awarded to Colin Maciver as follows: Other Leisure Provision (Sports and Games) - £175 Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust (Section 21) - £175.
		YOUTH WORK
Western Isles Duke of Edinburgh's Award: Progress Report AL07.01.16	65	With reference to Item 51 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Progress Report on the Western Isles Duke of Edinburgh's Award Project for the period 8 September 1993 to 31 August 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
		LIBRARY SERVICE
Castlebay Community Library: Opening Hours AL08.02	66*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposed adjustments to the opening hours at Castlebay Community Library. It was indicated that a proposed change in the schools hours from October 1994 would result in the reduction of the Library service available for the school unless library hours were adjusted. Following consultation with Library and School Staff in Castlebay it was proposed to adjust the Library closing times in such a way as to maintain the number of hours the Library was available for the community, pupils and teachers.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of revised opening hours for Castlebay Community Library as follows: Monday, Wednesday 09.00 - 16.30 Tuesday, Thursday 09.00 - 16.30 18.00 - 20.00 Friday 09.00 - 15.30 Saturday 10.00 - 12.30
		MUSEUM AND GALLERIES
Storage: Museum AL09.01	67*	With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to carry out a survey of Museum storage needs on the old County Hospital Site. A Project Initiation Report was appended to the Report setting out a description of the Project, the policy objectives involved, the justification for the Project and a number of related matters, including specific requirements and alternative options. The current situation concerning the storage of the Museum's collections in Stornoway was outlined in the Report. It was indicated that the estimated cost of the survey was £3,400.
		It was agreed to recommend that a survey of Museum storage needs at the County Hospital Site be carried out at an estimated cost of £3,400 in order to prepare a fully costed scheme, the costs to be meet from savings on property costs within the Museum's Revenue Budget 1994/95 arising from the continued closure of the Francis Street Building, subject to consideration at the half yearly review.
Museum Storage: Torlum AL09.01	68*	With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to establish Museum storage at Torlum Old School, Benbecula. A Project Initiation Report was appended to the Report setting out a description of the Project, the policy objectives involved, the justification for the Project and related matters, including specific requirements and alternative options. It was stated that work scheduled in the current financial year to create Museum storage facilities at Torlum had not proceeded due to the need to commit the capital funding to the Francis Street Building. The grant from the Scottish Museums Council in respect of this project could not be taken up in the current financial year and it would be necessary to submit an application to SMC for funding in 1995/96. It was stated that the estimated cost of the project was £46,562. It was indicated that, in addition to seeking financial assistance from the Scottish Museums Council, the eligibility of the Scheme for support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund would be investigated.
		It was agreed to recommend that consideration be given to provision being made within the Capital Expenditure Programme for General Services 1995/96 in respect of the Project to create Museum storage at Torlum Old School, Benbecula, in order to enable an application to be submitted to the Scottish Museums Council for matching funding for the scheme.
Year of Archaeology AL10.01	69*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a proposal to designate 1995 as a year of Archaeology for the Western Isles. It was indicated that a number of related events were proposed for 1995 in Lewis, including the opening of the Museum in Stornoway with an exhibition on the Archaeology of the Island, including the Lewis Chess Men and significant pieces on loan from the National Museums of Scotland, a possible Chess Tournament , a Conference on the Pre-History of the Western Isles to accompany the exhibition, An Lanntair exhibition on Calanais and the opening of the Resource/Study Centre at Grianan. It was noted that the events could be marketed collectively to promote the Islands and attract visitors. It was suggested that the potential of such promotion and marketing could be enhanced if these events formed the core of a larger programme extending from Easter until October under the theme of Archaeology. A number of Project proposals were outlined in the Report. It was proposed that the Council seek Objective 1 Funding towards the costs of supporting the Year of Archaeology. It was suggested that the detailed work in drawing up a costed and co-ordinated Programme be undertaken through a short-term commission for a period of 4 months at an estimate cost of £8,000. It was stated that 50% of the initial project costs could be met from outside sources.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the designation of 1995 as Year of Archaeology for the Western Isles; and (2) that consideration be given in the context of the Mid Year Review of Revenue Expenditure and particularly in the event of the restoration of the LEADER Budget, to the allocation of £4,000 towards the costs of a Project Co-ordination Commission to draw up a costed programme for a Year of Archaeology to be submitted for Objective 1 Funding.
		TOURISM
Objective 1 Projects: Tourism Marketing: The '45 Rising and the Hebrides AL10.01	70*	With reference to Item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the proposed Objective 1 Application for the Tourism Theme relating to the 250th Anniversary of the '45 Rising. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. Details of the Project, including costings, were appended to the Report. It was stated that the Scottish Arts Council, Western Isles Tourist Board, Western Isles Enterprise and the Council had agreed to provide financial support for the Project, together with sponsorship from the private sector. Funding for the Project would be spread over two financial years. It was stated that Tourism was an important industry in the Western Isles and there was a particular need to diversify the economic base of Uist. It was indicated that the Tourism Industry was becoming increasing competitive and it was considered essential that the Western Isles use the cultural and ecological attributes it possessed in order to develop the Industry locally.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the '45 Rising and the Hebrides Project as an Objective 1 Application on the basis set out in the Report by the Chief Executive.
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