AL9504

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 25 April 1995 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Donald Macleod (Chairman)

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Vice-Chairman)

Mr George Lonie

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mrs Mary Bremner

Tribute:

Mr John Campbell

C41.03

The Chairman intimated that Mr John Campbell, Member for the Uig Electoral Division, had been unwell, was currently hospitalised in Glasgow, and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Campbell for an early recovery.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

C02.13

35

The Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995 was approved.

FINANCE

Revenue Expenditure 1994/95:

Progress Report

PR110.08.11

36

With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred in respect of Arts and Leisure during the period 1 April 1994 - 31 March 1995. The Report compared such income and expenditure with the provision made in the Revenue Estimates of Income and Expenditure for Arts and Leisure for 1994/95.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Capital Expenditure 1994/95:

Progress Report

AL03.02.01

37

With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programmes of Capital Expenditure for General Services for 1994/95. The Report detailed the actual expenditure incurred to 31 March 1995 for each programme.

It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1994/95

AL03.03.02

38

With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1994/95 in respect of Arts and Leisure Properties. The Report detailed the approved expenditure for 1994/95 and the total expenditure committed and expended as at 31 March 1995.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Capital Expenditure Programme 1995/96

AL03.02

39*

With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing, for the Committee's interest, a proposed programme of Capital Expenditure for Education and General Services for 1995/96 in light of the consent granted.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, approval of the Programme of Capital Expenditure for Education and for General Services for 1995/96 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the Minute.

Budget Reductions 1995/96:

Community Education, Grants and Subscriptions

AL03.03

40*

With reference to item 25 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 March 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the reductions proposed in the budget headings under the Community Education Grant and Subscriptions block of the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure 1995/96.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the allocations as detailed in Appendix 2 to the Minute.

Grants and Subscriptions 1994/95

AL04.03

41*

With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a review of the rates of payment for revenue grants paid under approved Council formulae for the 1995/96 financial year. The Report detailed the proposed rates of payment for 1995/96.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the revised rates of payment for revenue grants for 1995/96 as detailed in Appendix 3 to the Minute.

Applications for Financial Assistance

42*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted Reports detailing applications for financial assistance from a number of organisations and commenting on each application.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) that Revenue Grants be awarded as follows:

Recipient

Purpose

Grant

Budget

Lewis and Harris Football Association

(AL06.01.38)

(E07.01.01)

Inter-Association Soccer Tournament

Guarantee against loss of up to £750

Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games) - £500

Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust

(Section 24) - £250

Community Education Service

(AL04.01)

(E07.01.01)

1995/96 Programme of Public Lectures

£1700

Grants and Subscriptions (Adult Education) - £1400

Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust

(Section 26) - £300

Harris Arts and Heritage

(AL05.02)

Support of 1995/96 Activities

£1800

Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts)

The Clown Jewels

(AL05.03.49)

Winter Tour to the Western Isles

Guarantee against loss of up to £800

Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts)

Jamie Millar

(AL06.01)

(E07.01.01)

Support of Fencing Training

£600

Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games) - £300

Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust (Section 21) - £300

on the basis that the grants to the Lewis and Harris Football Association, Harris Arts and Heritage and the Clown Jewels would be payable following submission of Reports and audited accounts in respect of these activities;

(2) tour subsidies for 1995/96 be paid at a rate of £200 per venue, including the free use of Council facilities, and subject to an upper limit of £800 per tour; and

(3) the number of tours of the Western Isles by professional companies to be subsidised by the Council in 1995/96 be limited to three.

It was agreed that a further Report be submitted on the possibility of financial assistance, in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise and other funding bodies, to Harris Arts and Heritage towards the establishment of a salaried part-time post of Arts Officer.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL03.02.01

43

With reference to item 29 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995, 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.

Availability of Sports Facilities in the Western Isles

AL06.02.01

44*

With reference to item 14 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the availability of swimming pools and facilities for water sports in the Western Isles. Details of the swimming pools, outdoor activities centres and water sports club organisations were appended to the Report. The history of the development of swimming pools, outdoor centres and water sports in the Western Isles was outlined in the Report. It was noted that, from their being only one swimming pool in 1974, there were now three major pools, four trainer pools and three outdoor activities centres in the Western Isles, with a further trainer-sized pool due to be completed and a further building identified for development as an outdoor centre. Comments on the ease of access to swimming pools and facilities for water based activities were set out in the Report. It was concluded as follows:

(1) that the number of swimming pools in the Western Isles required to be increased;

(2) there were difficulties of access to local pools because of distance and the lack of public transport at suitable times of day;

(3) the Council required to devise, and finance, pool lifeguard provision in order to meet current health and safety requirements, if all its swimming pools were to remain open to the public;

(4) the Western Isles had an enormous potential for the development of a wide range of land and water based activities, many of which could generate income for the local economy;

(5) the full range of outdoor activities available required to be catalogued and marketed; and

(6) it would be necessary to build up an infrastructure of approved facilities, transportation and low-cost residential accommodation, together with appropriately trained personnel in order to exploit fully the potential of the Western Isles.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of this item, it was agreed to recommend that the remit of the Playing Fields Member/Officer Working Group be extended to include the consideration of the development of land and water based sports facilities throughout the Western Isles.

Establishment of Saunas in Lionacleit and Castlebay Sports Centres

E02.58.07

45*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to establish sauna facilities in both Lionacleit and Castlebay Sports Centres. It was stated that, based on the experience of the operation of the sauna at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, it was expected that these facilities would be self-financing.

E02.60.09

It was agreed that sauna facilities be installed at the Lionacleit and Castlebay Sports Centres, to be funded on a self-financing basis as set out in the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Stornoway Museum Project

AL09.01.07

46*

With reference to item 31 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the outcome of his investigation into the Stornoway Museum Project within the Francis Street building. The background to the matter was detailed in the Report, together with comments on the management of the project since its inception. It was concluded that there had been two failings, first, a lack of definition of the expected end result, and second, a lack of proper initial investigation to determine if the location or the property was suitable or able to meet the needs of the development within reasonable expenditure limits. It was stated that, in spite of the failings and problems encountered in the project, the final result had been an excellent community and educational facility which, with proper marketing, could also prove to be a valuable and considerable asset in terms of tourism. It was suggested that the development could be the first stage of a cultural/arts complex in that area of Stornoway serving not only tourists, but also the people of the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Council continue the Project Initiation Report procedure and that all appropriate officers involved with Capital Projects be reminded of its requirement;

(2) prior to the commencement of a project, appropriate steps be taken to ensure:

(a) the Council's policy intentions are clear, and fully understood;

(b) the project has been adequately defined in terms of scale, estimated cost and timescale; and

(c) any necessary initial survey work had been carried out;

(3) the Council adopt a policy presumption that conversion works of old buildings be considered only when a comparison of the cost of new build had been carried out and conversion works were confirmed to be the most appropriate vehicle for achieving Council objectives; and

(4) the use of dayworks be restricted to capital projects.

It was further agreed to recommend that the Francis Street building be confirmed as the permanent location of Museum nan Eilean and that consideration be given to the development of the surrounding area to encompass a complex of similar facilities.

LEADER Project:

Archaeological Resource Development

AL09.02

47*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a proposed LEADER project to maximise the benefit of the archaeological resources of the Western Isles in relation to the development of the tourist industry and as an educational resource. It was indicated that the project would involve the production of a leaflet identifying the archaeological sites to visit in the Western Isles, together with the preparation of promotional and marketing material for visitors and residents and the provision of an archaeological information service for the local community and schools. It was proposed to appoint a Project Officer on a one year fixed-term contract in order to progress the project. It was stated that the estimated cost of the project was £29,882, with estimated income from sale of brochures and entrance fees to events being £1,875, leaving a balance of £28,007 to be met by a number of funding bodies, including Western Isles Enterprise, the Council, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Western Isles Tourist Board and LEADER. It was proposed that the Council's contribution be £5,000 and it was suggested that this contribution be met from the 1995/96 LEADER budget.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest that the Council contribute £5,000 towards the costs of the Archaeological Resource Development Project, the contribution to be met from the 1995/96 LEADER budget.

TOURISM

Uist Centre Project: Investigation

AL05.01

48

With reference to item 64 of the Minute of Meting of the Development Services Committee of 15 March 1995, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning an investigation into the Uist Centre Project. The background to the investigation was set out in the Report. A detailed chronology of events relating to the Uist Project was appended to the Report, and comments relating to the legal aspects, financial regulations, constitutional position and the conduct of members and officers in relation to the project were outlined. It was concluded that the matter had been handled in accordance with the Council's constitutional documents, that there had been no impropriety on the part of Members or officers, and it appeared there had been no illegal or improper approaches made to the Council in any attempt to secure financial assistance in respect of the project.

It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.

Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995

AL05.01

49*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme. It was indicated that the Scottish Office Industry Department was in the process of undertaking consultations on the terms of the proposed Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995 which would establish a new area Tourist Board for the Western Isles. It was noted that the Department was also seeking nominations for appointment to the Executive Committee of the new Board. The current position concerning the Western Isles Tourist Board was outlined in the Report. A copy of the proposed Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995 was also appended to the Report.

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

(1) The Council approve the terms of the Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995; and

(2) Mr Alasdair G Macrae and Mr Donald Murray be nominated as Members of the Executive Committee of the new Western Isles Tourist Board.

Urras nan Gearrannan: Proposed Alteration to Articles

AL09.01.08

50*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposed changes to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Urras nan Gearrannan (The Garenin Trust). The proposed changes, which would allow the structure of the Trust to be more compatible with its present activities, were outlined in the Report. It was indicated that the Council was requested to nominate two Members to the Board of Urras nan Gearrannan.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that Mr Donald Macleod and Mr Alexander A Macdonald be appointed as the Council's representatives on the Board of Urras nan Gearrannan.

RELATED MATTERS

Outstanding Action:

Progress Report

51

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding action from the Arts and Leisure Committee since May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

APPENDIX 1

A. EDUCATION CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES 1995/96

£000

Community Education

LIONEL

Swimming Pool Phase 2

2x

Swimming Pool Phase 2

288

Swimming Pool Reinstatement Works

30

CAPITAL GRANTS

Barra Community Centre

50

x = Committed Expenditure

APPENDIX 1

B GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES 1995/96

£000

LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS

Stornoway New Library

50

Stornoway Museum

20x

Torlum Museum Store

40

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Bayhead Recreational Facility

10

Acres Boys Club

10

COUNTRYSIDE

Callanish Information Centre

15x

Garenin

11

Aline Country Park

x = Committed Expenditure

APPENDIX 2

COMMUNITY EDUCATION: GRANTS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS 1995/96

£

Equipment

7100

Adult Education

4000

The Arts

19430

An Lanntair

13115

Local History/Museums

4130

Sports & Games

16285

Youth Work

18440

Community Centres

10000

Payments to Voluntary Organisations

8700

APPENDIX 3

GRANTS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS:

RATES OF PAYMENT 1995/96

Per Capita Grants - Rate 1

"Parent" organisations or federations, membership range 100 persons minimum to 1750 persons maximum - £2.70 per capita (£1.35 to parent body for organisation, administration and training, £1.35 per capita redistributed to each constituent unit).

Per Capita Grants - Rate 2

Other groups, 100 persons minimum membership to 1750 persons maximum, but with no local "parent" association or federation - £2.15 per capita whole sum retained by recipient body

Equipment Grants

Grants towards the provision of permanent equipment for voluntary organisations - 30% of approved costs. No assistance towards the costs of consumable items.

National Mod, Mainland or Inter-Island Drama Festivals

£20 per participant, £460 maximum to any single recipient. Overnight residence away from home essential qualification for inter-island drama festivals

Local Mods and Arts Festivals

£100 for the first and £80 for each successive day of the event; £500 upper limit to any one recipient

Educational Youth Exchanges

Domestic Exchanges (Within United Kingdom and Eire) £20 per participant; upper limit £460. International Exchanges £40 per participant; upper limit £725

Piping Societies and Pipe Bands

£70 per recital for a season of 10 recitals minimum, £700 upper limit

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

Tribute: Mr John Campbell C41.03		The Chairman intimated that Mr John Campbell, Member for the Uig Electoral Division, had been unwell, was currently hospitalised in Glasgow, and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Campbell for an early recovery.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure C02.13	35	The Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995 was approved.
		FINANCE
Revenue Expenditure 1994/95: Progress Report PR110.08.11	36	With reference to item 5 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred in respect of Arts and Leisure during the period 1 April 1994 - 31 March 1995. The Report compared such income and expenditure with the provision made in the Revenue Estimates of Income and Expenditure for Arts and Leisure for 1994/95. It was agreed to note the Report.
Capital Expenditure 1994/95: Progress Report AL03.02.01	37	With reference to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programmes of Capital Expenditure for General Services for 1994/95. The Report detailed the actual expenditure incurred to 31 March 1995 for each programme. It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1994/95 AL03.03.02	38	With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1994/95 in respect of Arts and Leisure Properties. The Report detailed the approved expenditure for 1994/95 and the total expenditure committed and expended as at 31 March 1995. It was agreed to note the Report.
Capital Expenditure Programme 1995/96 AL03.02	39*	With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing, for the Committee's interest, a proposed programme of Capital Expenditure for Education and General Services for 1995/96 in light of the consent granted. It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, approval of the Programme of Capital Expenditure for Education and for General Services for 1995/96 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the Minute.
Budget Reductions 1995/96: Community Education, Grants and Subscriptions AL03.03	40*	With reference to item 25 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 March 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the reductions proposed in the budget headings under the Community Education Grant and Subscriptions block of the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure 1995/96. It was agreed to recommend approval of the allocations as detailed in Appendix 2 to the Minute.
Grants and Subscriptions 1994/95 AL04.03	41*	With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a review of the rates of payment for revenue grants paid under approved Council formulae for the 1995/96 financial year. The Report detailed the proposed rates of payment for 1995/96. It was agreed to recommend approval of the revised rates of payment for revenue grants for 1995/96 as detailed in Appendix 3 to the Minute.
Applications for Financial Assistance	42*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted Reports detailing applications for financial assistance from a number of organisations and commenting on each application.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) that Revenue Grants be awarded as follows:

Recipient	Purpose	Grant	Budget
Lewis and Harris Football Association (AL06.01.38) (E07.01.01)	Inter-Association Soccer Tournament	Guarantee against loss of up to £750	Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games) - £500 Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust (Section 24) - £250
Community Education Service (AL04.01) (E07.01.01)	1995/96 Programme of Public Lectures	£1700	Grants and Subscriptions (Adult Education) - £1400 Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust (Section 26) - £300
Harris Arts and Heritage (AL05.02)	Support of 1995/96 Activities	£1800	Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts)
The Clown Jewels (AL05.03.49)	Winter Tour to the Western Isles	Guarantee against loss of up to £800	Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts)
Jamie Millar (AL06.01) (E07.01.01)	Support of Fencing Training	£600	Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games) - £300 Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust (Section 21) - £300

		on the basis that the grants to the Lewis and Harris Football Association, Harris Arts and Heritage and the Clown Jewels would be payable following submission of Reports and audited accounts in respect of these activities; (2) tour subsidies for 1995/96 be paid at a rate of £200 per venue, including the free use of Council facilities, and subject to an upper limit of £800 per tour; and (3) the number of tours of the Western Isles by professional companies to be subsidised by the Council in 1995/96 be limited to three.
		It was agreed that a further Report be submitted on the possibility of financial assistance, in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise and other funding bodies, to Harris Arts and Heritage towards the establishment of a salaried part-time post of Arts Officer.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Capital Works Programme and Progress AL03.02.01	43	With reference to item 29 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995, 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.
Availability of Sports Facilities in the Western Isles AL06.02.01	44*	With reference to item 14 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the availability of swimming pools and facilities for water sports in the Western Isles. Details of the swimming pools, outdoor activities centres and water sports club organisations were appended to the Report. The history of the development of swimming pools, outdoor centres and water sports in the Western Isles was outlined in the Report. It was noted that, from their being only one swimming pool in 1974, there were now three major pools, four trainer pools and three outdoor activities centres in the Western Isles, with a further trainer-sized pool due to be completed and a further building identified for development as an outdoor centre. Comments on the ease of access to swimming pools and facilities for water based activities were set out in the Report. It was concluded as follows:
		(1) that the number of swimming pools in the Western Isles required to be increased; (2) there were difficulties of access to local pools because of distance and the lack of public transport at suitable times of day; (3) the Council required to devise, and finance, pool lifeguard provision in order to meet current health and safety requirements, if all its swimming pools were to remain open to the public; (4) the Western Isles had an enormous potential for the development of a wide range of land and water based activities, many of which could generate income for the local economy; (5) the full range of outdoor activities available required to be catalogued and marketed; and (6) it would be necessary to build up an infrastructure of approved facilities, transportation and low-cost residential accommodation, together with appropriately trained personnel in order to exploit fully the potential of the Western Isles. It was agreed to note the Report.
		Arising out of consideration of this item, it was agreed to recommend that the remit of the Playing Fields Member/Officer Working Group be extended to include the consideration of the development of land and water based sports facilities throughout the Western Isles.
Establishment of Saunas in Lionacleit and Castlebay Sports Centres E02.58.07	45*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to establish sauna facilities in both Lionacleit and Castlebay Sports Centres. It was stated that, based on the experience of the operation of the sauna at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, it was expected that these facilities would be self-financing.
E02.60.09		It was agreed that sauna facilities be installed at the Lionacleit and Castlebay Sports Centres, to be funded on a self-financing basis as set out in the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services.
		MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Stornoway Museum Project AL09.01.07	46*	With reference to item 31 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 March 1995, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the outcome of his investigation into the Stornoway Museum Project within the Francis Street building. The background to the matter was detailed in the Report, together with comments on the management of the project since its inception. It was concluded that there had been two failings, first, a lack of definition of the expected end result, and second, a lack of proper initial investigation to determine if the location or the property was suitable or able to meet the needs of the development within reasonable expenditure limits. It was stated that, in spite of the failings and problems encountered in the project, the final result had been an excellent community and educational facility which, with proper marketing, could also prove to be a valuable and considerable asset in terms of tourism. It was suggested that the development could be the first stage of a cultural/arts complex in that area of Stornoway serving not only tourists, but also the people of the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Council continue the Project Initiation Report procedure and that all appropriate officers involved with Capital Projects be reminded of its requirement; (2) prior to the commencement of a project, appropriate steps be taken to ensure: (a) the Council's policy intentions are clear, and fully understood; (b) the project has been adequately defined in terms of scale, estimated cost and timescale; and (c) any necessary initial survey work had been carried out;
		(3) the Council adopt a policy presumption that conversion works of old buildings be considered only when a comparison of the cost of new build had been carried out and conversion works were confirmed to be the most appropriate vehicle for achieving Council objectives; and (4) the use of dayworks be restricted to capital projects.
		It was further agreed to recommend that the Francis Street building be confirmed as the permanent location of Museum nan Eilean and that consideration be given to the development of the surrounding area to encompass a complex of similar facilities.
LEADER Project: Archaeological Resource Development AL09.02	47*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a proposed LEADER project to maximise the benefit of the archaeological resources of the Western Isles in relation to the development of the tourist industry and as an educational resource. It was indicated that the project would involve the production of a leaflet identifying the archaeological sites to visit in the Western Isles, together with the preparation of promotional and marketing material for visitors and residents and the provision of an archaeological information service for the local community and schools. It was proposed to appoint a Project Officer on a one year fixed-term contract in order to progress the project. It was stated that the estimated cost of the project was £29,882, with estimated income from sale of brochures and entrance fees to events being £1,875, leaving a balance of £28,007 to be met by a number of funding bodies, including Western Isles Enterprise, the Council, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Western Isles Tourist Board and LEADER. It was proposed that the Council's contribution be £5,000 and it was suggested that this contribution be met from the 1995/96 LEADER budget.
		It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest that the Council contribute £5,000 towards the costs of the Archaeological Resource Development Project, the contribution to be met from the 1995/96 LEADER budget.
		TOURISM
Uist Centre Project: Investigation AL05.01	48	With reference to item 64 of the Minute of Meting of the Development Services Committee of 15 March 1995, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning an investigation into the Uist Centre Project. The background to the investigation was set out in the Report. A detailed chronology of events relating to the Uist Project was appended to the Report, and comments relating to the legal aspects, financial regulations, constitutional position and the conduct of members and officers in relation to the project were outlined. It was concluded that the matter had been handled in accordance with the Council's constitutional documents, that there had been no impropriety on the part of Members or officers, and it appeared there had been no illegal or improper approaches made to the Council in any attempt to secure financial assistance in respect of the project. It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.
Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995 AL05.01	49*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme. It was indicated that the Scottish Office Industry Department was in the process of undertaking consultations on the terms of the proposed Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995 which would establish a new area Tourist Board for the Western Isles. It was noted that the Department was also seeking nominations for appointment to the Executive Committee of the new Board. The current position concerning the Western Isles Tourist Board was outlined in the Report. A copy of the proposed Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995 was also appended to the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest: (1) The Council approve the terms of the Western Isles Tourist Board Scheme Order 1995; and (2) Mr Alasdair G Macrae and Mr Donald Murray be nominated as Members of the Executive Committee of the new Western Isles Tourist Board.
Urras nan Gearrannan: Proposed Alteration to Articles AL09.01.08	50*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning proposed changes to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Urras nan Gearrannan (The Garenin Trust). The proposed changes, which would allow the structure of the Trust to be more compatible with its present activities, were outlined in the Report. It was indicated that the Council was requested to nominate two Members to the Board of Urras nan Gearrannan.
		It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that Mr Donald Macleod and Mr Alexander A Macdonald be appointed as the Council's representatives on the Board of Urras nan Gearrannan.
		RELATED MATTERS
Outstanding Action: Progress Report	51	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding action from the Arts and Leisure Committee since May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.


APPENDIX 1		A. EDUCATION CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES 1995/96

		£000
	Community Education
	LIONEL Swimming Pool Phase 2	2x
	Swimming Pool Phase 2	288
	Swimming Pool Reinstatement Works	30
	CAPITAL GRANTS
	Barra Community Centre	50
	x = Committed Expenditure

		£000
	LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS Stornoway New Library	50
	Stornoway Museum	20x
	Torlum Museum Store	40
	RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
	Bayhead Recreational Facility	10
	Acres Boys Club	10

	COUNTRYSIDE
	Callanish Information Centre	15x
	Garenin	11
	Aline Country Park

	x = Committed Expenditure

		£
	Equipment	7100
	Adult Education	4000
	The Arts	19430
	An Lanntair	13115
	Local History/Museums	4130
	Sports & Games	16285
	Youth Work	18440
	Community Centres	10000
	Payments to Voluntary Organisations	8700

APPENDIX 3	GRANTS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: RATES OF PAYMENT 1995/96
	Per Capita Grants - Rate 1	"Parent" organisations or federations, membership range 100 persons minimum to 1750 persons maximum - £2.70 per capita (£1.35 to parent body for organisation, administration and training, £1.35 per capita redistributed to each constituent unit).
	Per Capita Grants - Rate 2	Other groups, 100 persons minimum membership to 1750 persons maximum, but with no local "parent" association or federation - £2.15 per capita whole sum retained by recipient body
	Equipment Grants	Grants towards the provision of permanent equipment for voluntary organisations - 30% of approved costs. No assistance towards the costs of consumable items.
	National Mod, Mainland or Inter-Island Drama Festivals	£20 per participant, £460 maximum to any single recipient. Overnight residence away from home essential qualification for inter-island drama festivals
	Local Mods and Arts Festivals	£100 for the first and £80 for each successive day of the event; £500 upper limit to any one recipient
	Educational Youth Exchanges	Domestic Exchanges (Within United Kingdom and Eire) £20 per participant; upper limit £460. International Exchanges £40 per participant; upper limit £725
	Piping Societies and Pipe Bands	£70 per recital for a season of 10 recitals minimum, £700 upper limit