AL9506

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday, 6 June 1995 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Donald Macleod (Chairman)

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Angus M Graham

Mrs Christina McNeill

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Donald Murray

Arts and Leisure

C02.13

52

MINUTES

The Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995 was approved.

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL02.02.01

53*

LAND AND BUILDINGS

With reference to item 43 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for Arts and Leisure properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was noted that the official opening of Museum nan Eilean's Francis Street Building had been scheduled for Friday 30 June 1995 to co-incide with the opening of the Lewis Chess Set Exhibition.

It was agreed to recommend that a request be made to the British Museum for the permanent loan of the Lewis Chess pieces.

Technical Standards for Play Areas

AL06.02.01

54*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report setting out suggested technical standards for play areas built on Council-owned land. It was stated that the purpose for the introduction of the proposed standards was to ensure the safety of all the users of these facilities at all times and to ensure that adequate procedures were in place to deal with areas or items of equipment which did not conform to the required standard. It was indicated that an audit had been carried out on all existing play areas throughout the Western Isles and a summary of the results for Lewis and Harris was appended to the Report. It was proposed that the play areas should conform to the appropriate stated standard, BS 5696 - Play Equipment Intended for Outdoor Use. It was noted that this British Standard dealt with all aspects of play equipment ranging from the construction of the actual equipment to its location and installation, and dealt with the environs of play areas and gave guidance on the use of safety surfacing. The principal features of play areas as set out in the British Standard were outlined in the Report. It was noted that the audit of existing play areas had indicated that very few met the standard set out in the BS 5696, even in part.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) all new Play Areas to be provided by the Council be constructed and maintained in accordance with BS 5696;

(2) all new or replacement play equipment sited on land in the ownership of the Council be constructed and maintained in accordance with BS 5696;

(3) all existing play areas and equipment on land owned by the Council be progressively upgraded or altered to comply with the recommendations of BS 5696;

(4) play equipment to be installed by community organisations on Council owned land comply in all respects with BS 5696. Where such equipment failed to comply with the specified standard, the body which installed the equipment would be required to remove it forthwith;

(5) where the Council is grant aiding the purchase of play equipment by community organisations, it be a condition of the grant that the equipment, its installation, siting, location and environs be constructed and maintained by the organisation in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5696; and

(6) a further Report to establish priorities and funding options be considered by the Play Areas Working Group.

Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre: Future Strategy

AL02.01

55*

With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining a strategy for the development of the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that little more could be done within the confines of the current building beyond the improvements in the facilities proposed in the short term (item 56 below refers). It would be necessary to extend the building to accommodate further enhancements in the facilities. It was suggested that a wrap-around additional building could provide the answer to future development of the Sports Centre, enabling a considerable enhancement programme to take place to bring the facilities available up to the standards available elsewhere and providing much greater opportunities for schools, the community and visitors. An outline sketch of the proposal was appended to the Report. A summary of the additional facilities which could be included in an extended building was set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the short term strategy of enhancing the facilities at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre within the existing building envelope on a self-financing basis;

(2) approval in principle of the medium term strategy of adding to the facilities by additional building; and

(3) that a feasibility study be undertaken to examine and cost the required extension, subject to resources being identified to fund the study.

Improved Provision at Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre

AL02.01

56*

With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted:

(1) a Report on the provision of a Steam Room at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that the space had been identified near to the changing areas and Sauna which could be turned into a Steam Room, and that information obtained from other Sports Centres and through a survey of customers, suggested that the additional facilities would attract more people to the Sports Centre. It was estimated that the cost of installing a Steam Room, including related building work and alterations was £12,000. It was indicated that this expenditure could be recovered from the revenue obtained from the Steam Room within the first year of operation; and

(2) a Report concerning proposals to install a Soft Play Area at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that this facility would attract young parents with infant children to the Sports Centre. It was stated that it was intended that the parents would take their children to the Soft Play Area and supervise them while using the area. The estimated cost of installing a Soft Play Area at the Sports Centre was £17,000. In addition, it would be necessary to establish a further post of Leisure Attendant to oversee the Soft Play Area for health and safety purposes. It was reported that a Report concerning this matter would be considered by the Personnel Sub-Committee on 8 June 1995. The estimated cost of providing the health and safety cover was £30,000. It was expected that the cost of installing the Soft Play Area and providing health and safety cover would be recovered within the first year of operation of the area.

It was agreed to recommend that the facilities at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre be enhanced as follows:

(1) by the installation of a Steam Room at an estimated cost not exceeding £12,000; and

(2) by the installation of a soft play area at an estimated cost not exceeding £17,000.

Sports Facilities in North Uist

AL06.02.01

57*

With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the outcome of an investigation into the provision of a Sports Complex at Paible School, North Uist. Comments on the availability and condition of facilities for outdoor sports, and on the requirements for indoor sports facilities were set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that consideration of the provision of sports facilities in North Uist be remitted to the Playing Fields Member/Officer Working Group for further consideration.

Community Facilities at Sandwickhill, Isle of Lewis

AL06.02.01

58*

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 potential for development of community facilities at Sandwickhill, Isle of Lewis. It was indicated that the area lacked both indoor and outdoor community facilities to aid the development of recreational activities for residents. It was noted that Sandwickhill Schoolhouse was used by local residents for small-scale community activities, but the accommodation available in both the School and the Schoolhouse was too small and was unsuitable for the full range of indoor games and sports. It was indicated that there was an area of land adjacent to Sandwickhill School, but within the ownership of the community, which had been surveyed to gauge its potential for development as a multi-purpose recreational area. It was suggested that a Community Centre could be included in any project to upgrade the outdoor facilities, centralising both indoor and outdoor facilities on the same site. It was suggested that a local Community Association could act as the promoter of any development scheme and might attract a wide range of public-sector grants to assist the project.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Charging Policy for Indoor Sports and Leisure Facilities

AL02.01.02

59*

FINANCE

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a review of the charging policy for the use of indoor sports and leisure facilities to determine the impact of providing free access to indoor leisure and sports facilities to members of the community who were unemployed. A summary of the Council's main charges for the use of indoor leisure and sports facilities was appended to the Report. It was indicated that these charges were among the lowest in Scotland, and that the Council already operated a concessionary pricing policy for the use of pool and games hall facilities by the unemployed. Current usage of indoor sports and leisure facilities was outlined in the Report, together with the implications for the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure for 1995/96 on any changes to the charging policy. It was concluded that current financial constraints and the requirement to meet higher income targets for indoor leisure facilities militated against any change in the current concessionary pricing policy during the current financial year.

It was agreed to recommend that the existing concessionary arrangements for access by the unemployed to indoor sports and leisure facilities be confirmed.

Facilities Development: Scottish Lottery Sports Fund

AL06.01

60*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report setting out the provisional arrangements which had been made for a visit by representatives of the Scottish Lottery Sports Fund to the Western Isles in order to brief Elected Members, Council staff and the voluntary sector concerning the Fund. It was expected that the briefings would be held on 11 September 1995 in Benbecula and on 12 September 1995 in Stornoway.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the provisional arrangements which had been made for the visit to the Western Isles by representatives of the Scottish Lottery Sports Fund in September 1995; and

(2) to recommend approval of the issue of invitations to the voluntary sector to join the briefing meetings.

Applications for Financial Assistance

61*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from St Mary's Hall Committee, Griminish, Benbecula.

The Director of Education & Leisure Services submitted Reports detailing applications for financial assistance from a number of organisations and commented on these applications.

It was agreed to recommend that Revenue Grants be awarded as follows:

Recipient Purpose Grant Budget

Macmeanmna Tour to the £350 Grants and

(AL05.03) Western Isles Subscriptions

(The Arts)

Middle Ground Tour to the Guarantee against Grants and

Theatre Western Isles loss of up to £800, Subscriptions

Company including the free (The Arts)

(AL05.03) use of Council

facilities

Stornoway and Lewis £810 (free use of Grants and

District Round Carnival Stornoway Town Subscriptions

Table Hall) (Sports and

(LB35.01) Games)

on the basis that the grants to Macmeanmna and Middle Ground Theatre Company would be payable following submission of Tour Reports and audited accounts.

The Chairman withdrew a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Bridge Community Centre, Stornoway.

Replacement of Uist Mobile Library

AL08.02

62*

LIBRARY SERVICE

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the replacement of the Uist Mobile Library vehicle. It was indicated that a specification had been drawn up for the replacement vehicle and that tenders had been invited from a number of specialist Mobile Library coachbuilders. It was noted that a Report concerning the tender would be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee on 20 June 1995.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arts Centre: Feasibility Study

AL05.01

63*

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining the conclusions of the feasibility study into the provision of an Arts Centre in Stornoway. The background to the matter was set out in the Report, together with a summary of the brief and conclusions of the study. It was noted that the following sites had been identified for possible future development of an Arts Centre:

Town Hall

Enhance An Lanntair within Town Hall Site

Sports Shop

Sail Loft/Fishermans Co-op Complex

Louise Carnegie Site

Comments on each option were set out in the Report. It was suggested that a Working Group be established to consider the conclusions of the feasibility study.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a Members/Officers Working Group be established to consider how the conclusions of the Arts Centre feasibility study were to be taken forward; and

(2) Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, Mr Roderick Macdonald, Mr Alasdair G Macrae and Mrs Mary Bremner be appointed as Members of the Working Group.

Museum Storage

AL09.01

64*

With reference to item 67 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 October 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning Museum storage at Torlum, Benbecula and in Stornoway. It was indicated that the project to create Museum storage at Torlum would proceed in the 1995/96 financial year and that the Scottish Museums Council had awarded a grant of £24,700 in respect of the project. It was stated that the situation regarding Museum storage in Stornoway was critical, with the existing collections being scattered through a number of locations with no effective security and in wholly inadequate environmental conditions, making management and monitoring of the collections difficult. It was further stated that the lack of adequate storage and workshop provision prevented the proper development of the Museum collections with consequences for display and interpretation. It was suggested that a feasibility study be undertaken to identify a suitable permanent location and to prepare a fully costed scheme to provide Museum storage in Stornoway. It was noted that the grant awarded by the Scottish Museums Council in respect of the Torlum project could release funding within the General Services Capital Programme for 1995/96 to fund any feasibility study.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the grant of £24,700 awarded by the Scottish Museums Council in respect of the Torlum Museum store; and

(2) to recommend approval of the provision of £4,000 from the General Services Capital Expenditure Programme 1995/96 to meet the costs of a study, Report and costed scheme for Museum storage in Stornoway to be carried out by the Director of Technical Services.

Tourist Development Programme: Progress Report

AL10.01.06

65*

TOURISM

The Chief Executive submitted a Report setting out progress relating to the Western Isles Tourist Development Programme. It was stated that the Tourist Development Programme was a partnership between the Council, Western Isles Enterprise and the Western Isles Tourist Board. It was indicated that the Programme had been established in 1989 for a three year period and continued in 1992 for a further three year period, which was coming to an end. The current position relating to the Development Programme was outlined in the Report. It was proposed that the Programme be continued for a further three year period.

It was agreed to recommend that the Council participate with Western Isles Enterprise and the Western Isles Tourist Board in a third three year phase of the Western Isles Tourist Development Programme, the detail of the strategy, its objectives and targets to be submitted to the Council for approval at a future meeting.

Invitation to the Scottish Tourist Board Chief Executive

AL10.01

66*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval to extend an invitation to the Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board to address the Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that Mr Derek Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board, be invited to address the Council and that it be delegated to the Director of Administration and Legal Services to make appropriate arrangements.

Heritage Convention

AL10.01.07

67*

CONFERENCES AND COURSES

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning an International Heritage Convention to be held in Inverness on 11 to 13 October 1995. Details of the Convention Programme were appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Council be represented at the International Heritage Convention; and

(2) the Chairman or his nominee represent the Council at the Convention.

Action Outstanding: Progress Report

PR33.01.12

68

RELATED MATTERS

With reference to item 51 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing action outstanding from the Arts and Leisure Committee since May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

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

Arts and Leisure C02.13	52	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995 was approved.
Capital Works Programme and Progress AL02.02.01	53*	LAND AND BUILDINGS With reference to item 43 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for Arts and Leisure properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
		Arising out of consideration of this item it was noted that the official opening of Museum nan Eilean's Francis Street Building had been scheduled for Friday 30 June 1995 to co-incide with the opening of the Lewis Chess Set Exhibition. It was agreed to recommend that a request be made to the British Museum for the permanent loan of the Lewis Chess pieces.
Technical Standards for Play Areas AL06.02.01	54*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report setting out suggested technical standards for play areas built on Council-owned land. It was stated that the purpose for the introduction of the proposed standards was to ensure the safety of all the users of these facilities at all times and to ensure that adequate procedures were in place to deal with areas or items of equipment which did not conform to the required standard. It was indicated that an audit had been carried out on all existing play areas throughout the Western Isles and a summary of the results for Lewis and Harris was appended to the Report. It was proposed that the play areas should conform to the appropriate stated standard, BS 5696 - Play Equipment Intended for Outdoor Use. It was noted that this British Standard dealt with all aspects of play equipment ranging from the construction of the actual equipment to its location and installation, and dealt with the environs of play areas and gave guidance on the use of safety surfacing. The principal features of play areas as set out in the British Standard were outlined in the Report. It was noted that the audit of existing play areas had indicated that very few met the standard set out in the BS 5696, even in part.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) all new Play Areas to be provided by the Council be constructed and maintained in accordance with BS 5696; (2) all new or replacement play equipment sited on land in the ownership of the Council be constructed and maintained in accordance with BS 5696; (3) all existing play areas and equipment on land owned by the Council be progressively upgraded or altered to comply with the recommendations of BS 5696; (4) play equipment to be installed by community organisations on Council owned land comply in all respects with BS 5696. Where such equipment failed to comply with the specified standard, the body which installed the equipment would be required to remove it forthwith; (5) where the Council is grant aiding the purchase of play equipment by community organisations, it be a condition of the grant that the equipment, its installation, siting, location and environs be constructed and maintained by the organisation in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5696; and (6) a further Report to establish priorities and funding options be considered by the Play Areas Working Group.
Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre: Future Strategy AL02.01	55*	With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining a strategy for the development of the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that little more could be done within the confines of the current building beyond the improvements in the facilities proposed in the short term (item 56 below refers). It would be necessary to extend the building to accommodate further enhancements in the facilities. It was suggested that a wrap-around additional building could provide the answer to future development of the Sports Centre, enabling a considerable enhancement programme to take place to bring the facilities available up to the standards available elsewhere and providing much greater opportunities for schools, the community and visitors. An outline sketch of the proposal was appended to the Report. A summary of the additional facilities which could be included in an extended building was set out in the Report. It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the short term strategy of enhancing the facilities at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre within the existing building envelope on a self-financing basis; (2) approval in principle of the medium term strategy of adding to the facilities by additional building; and (3) that a feasibility study be undertaken to examine and cost the required extension, subject to resources being identified to fund the study.
Improved Provision at Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre AL02.01	56*	With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted: (1) a Report on the provision of a Steam Room at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that the space had been identified near to the changing areas and Sauna which could be turned into a Steam Room, and that information obtained from other Sports Centres and through a survey of customers, suggested that the additional facilities would attract more people to the Sports Centre. It was estimated that the cost of installing a Steam Room, including related building work and alterations was £12,000. It was indicated that this expenditure could be recovered from the revenue obtained from the Steam Room within the first year of operation; and (2) a Report concerning proposals to install a Soft Play Area at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre. It was indicated that this facility would attract young parents with infant children to the Sports Centre. It was stated that it was intended that the parents would take their children to the Soft Play Area and supervise them while using the area. The estimated cost of installing a Soft Play Area at the Sports Centre was £17,000. In addition, it would be necessary to establish a further post of Leisure Attendant to oversee the Soft Play Area for health and safety purposes. It was reported that a Report concerning this matter would be considered by the Personnel Sub-Committee on 8 June 1995. The estimated cost of providing the health and safety cover was £30,000. It was expected that the cost of installing the Soft Play Area and providing health and safety cover would be recovered within the first year of operation of the area. It was agreed to recommend that the facilities at the Nicolson - Lewis Sports Centre be enhanced as follows: (1) by the installation of a Steam Room at an estimated cost not exceeding £12,000; and (2) by the installation of a soft play area at an estimated cost not exceeding £17,000.
Sports Facilities in North Uist AL06.02.01	57*	With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the outcome of an investigation into the provision of a Sports Complex at Paible School, North Uist. Comments on the availability and condition of facilities for outdoor sports, and on the requirements for indoor sports facilities were set out in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that consideration of the provision of sports facilities in North Uist be remitted to the Playing Fields Member/Officer Working Group for further consideration.
Community Facilities at Sandwickhill, Isle of Lewis AL06.02.01	58*	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 potential for development of community facilities at Sandwickhill, Isle of Lewis. It was indicated that the area lacked both indoor and outdoor community facilities to aid the development of recreational activities for residents. It was noted that Sandwickhill Schoolhouse was used by local residents for small-scale community activities, but the accommodation available in both the School and the Schoolhouse was too small and was unsuitable for the full range of indoor games and sports. It was indicated that there was an area of land adjacent to Sandwickhill School, but within the ownership of the community, which had been surveyed to gauge its potential for development as a multi-purpose recreational area. It was suggested that a Community Centre could be included in any project to upgrade the outdoor facilities, centralising both indoor and outdoor facilities on the same site. It was suggested that a local Community Association could act as the promoter of any development scheme and might attract a wide range of public-sector grants to assist the project.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Charging Policy for Indoor Sports and Leisure Facilities AL02.01.02	59*	FINANCE The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a review of the charging policy for the use of indoor sports and leisure facilities to determine the impact of providing free access to indoor leisure and sports facilities to members of the community who were unemployed. A summary of the Council's main charges for the use of indoor leisure and sports facilities was appended to the Report. It was indicated that these charges were among the lowest in Scotland, and that the Council already operated a concessionary pricing policy for the use of pool and games hall facilities by the unemployed. Current usage of indoor sports and leisure facilities was outlined in the Report, together with the implications for the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure for 1995/96 on any changes to the charging policy. It was concluded that current financial constraints and the requirement to meet higher income targets for indoor leisure facilities militated against any change in the current concessionary pricing policy during the current financial year. It was agreed to recommend that the existing concessionary arrangements for access by the unemployed to indoor sports and leisure facilities be confirmed.
Facilities Development: Scottish Lottery Sports Fund AL06.01	60*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report setting out the provisional arrangements which had been made for a visit by representatives of the Scottish Lottery Sports Fund to the Western Isles in order to brief Elected Members, Council staff and the voluntary sector concerning the Fund. It was expected that the briefings would be held on 11 September 1995 in Benbecula and on 12 September 1995 in Stornoway. It was agreed: (1) to note the provisional arrangements which had been made for the visit to the Western Isles by representatives of the Scottish Lottery Sports Fund in September 1995; and (2) to recommend approval of the issue of invitations to the voluntary sector to join the briefing meetings.
Applications for Financial Assistance	61*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from St Mary's Hall Committee, Griminish, Benbecula. The Director of Education & Leisure Services submitted Reports detailing applications for financial assistance from a number of organisations and commented on these applications. It was agreed to recommend that Revenue Grants be awarded as follows:
		Recipient Purpose Grant Budget Macmeanmna Tour to the £350 Grants and (AL05.03) Western Isles Subscriptions (The Arts) Middle Ground Tour to the Guarantee against Grants and Theatre Western Isles loss of up to £800, Subscriptions Company including the free (The Arts) (AL05.03) use of Council facilities Stornoway and Lewis £810 (free use of Grants and District Round Carnival Stornoway Town Subscriptions Table Hall) (Sports and (LB35.01) Games) on the basis that the grants to Macmeanmna and Middle Ground Theatre Company would be payable following submission of Tour Reports and audited accounts.
		The Chairman withdrew a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Bridge Community Centre, Stornoway.
Replacement of Uist Mobile Library AL08.02	62*	LIBRARY SERVICE The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the replacement of the Uist Mobile Library vehicle. It was indicated that a specification had been drawn up for the replacement vehicle and that tenders had been invited from a number of specialist Mobile Library coachbuilders. It was noted that a Report concerning the tender would be submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee on 20 June 1995. It was agreed to note the Report.
Arts Centre: Feasibility Study AL05.01	63*	MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 May 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining the conclusions of the feasibility study into the provision of an Arts Centre in Stornoway. The background to the matter was set out in the Report, together with a summary of the brief and conclusions of the study. It was noted that the following sites had been identified for possible future development of an Arts Centre: Town Hall Enhance An Lanntair within Town Hall Site Sports Shop Sail Loft/Fishermans Co-op Complex Louise Carnegie Site Comments on each option were set out in the Report. It was suggested that a Working Group be established to consider the conclusions of the feasibility study.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a Members/Officers Working Group be established to consider how the conclusions of the Arts Centre feasibility study were to be taken forward; and (2) Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, Mr Roderick Macdonald, Mr Alasdair G Macrae and Mrs Mary Bremner be appointed as Members of the Working Group.
Museum Storage AL09.01	64*	With reference to item 67 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 October 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning Museum storage at Torlum, Benbecula and in Stornoway. It was indicated that the project to create Museum storage at Torlum would proceed in the 1995/96 financial year and that the Scottish Museums Council had awarded a grant of £24,700 in respect of the project. It was stated that the situation regarding Museum storage in Stornoway was critical, with the existing collections being scattered through a number of locations with no effective security and in wholly inadequate environmental conditions, making management and monitoring of the collections difficult. It was further stated that the lack of adequate storage and workshop provision prevented the proper development of the Museum collections with consequences for display and interpretation. It was suggested that a feasibility study be undertaken to identify a suitable permanent location and to prepare a fully costed scheme to provide Museum storage in Stornoway. It was noted that the grant awarded by the Scottish Museums Council in respect of the Torlum project could release funding within the General Services Capital Programme for 1995/96 to fund any feasibility study. It was agreed: (1) to note the grant of £24,700 awarded by the Scottish Museums Council in respect of the Torlum Museum store; and (2) to recommend approval of the provision of £4,000 from the General Services Capital Expenditure Programme 1995/96 to meet the costs of a study, Report and costed scheme for Museum storage in Stornoway to be carried out by the Director of Technical Services.
Tourist Development Programme: Progress Report AL10.01.06	65*	TOURISM The Chief Executive submitted a Report setting out progress relating to the Western Isles Tourist Development Programme. It was stated that the Tourist Development Programme was a partnership between the Council, Western Isles Enterprise and the Western Isles Tourist Board. It was indicated that the Programme had been established in 1989 for a three year period and continued in 1992 for a further three year period, which was coming to an end. The current position relating to the Development Programme was outlined in the Report. It was proposed that the Programme be continued for a further three year period. It was agreed to recommend that the Council participate with Western Isles Enterprise and the Western Isles Tourist Board in a third three year phase of the Western Isles Tourist Development Programme, the detail of the strategy, its objectives and targets to be submitted to the Council for approval at a future meeting.
Invitation to the Scottish Tourist Board Chief Executive AL10.01	66*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking approval to extend an invitation to the Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board to address the Committee. It was agreed to recommend that Mr Derek Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board, be invited to address the Council and that it be delegated to the Director of Administration and Legal Services to make appropriate arrangements.
Heritage Convention AL10.01.07	67*	CONFERENCES AND COURSES The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning an International Heritage Convention to be held in Inverness on 11 to 13 October 1995. Details of the Convention Programme were appended to the Report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Council be represented at the International Heritage Convention; and (2) the Chairman or his nominee represent the Council at the Convention.
Action Outstanding: Progress Report PR33.01.12	68	RELATED MATTERS With reference to item 51 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing action outstanding from the Arts and Leisure Committee since May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
___