AL9508

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 29 August 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 Donald M Mackay

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr George Lonie

APOLOGIES

Mr Angus M Graham

Tribute:

Museum nan Eilean

The Chairman referred to the opening of Museum nan Eilean on 30 June 1995 and paid tribute to the hard work undertaken by the Curator and his staff in the preparations for the opening and the Chess Exhibition.

Tribute:

Chess Tournament

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to the Lewis Chess Club on their very successful chess tournament which was held in July 1995, in conjunction with the Museum nan Eilean exhibition of the Lewis Chessmen.

Tribute:

Callanish Centre

The Chairman referred to the opening on 30 June 1995 of the new Callanish Centre and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to the project for its continuing success in the future.

Tribute:

Summer Events

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to the organisers of all the successful mods, feisean and games held in the Western Isles during the summer, and to all the participants in the various events.

Tribute:

Ness Football Club

The Chairman intimated that Ness Football Club had won the Highland Amateur Cup and, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to the Club on this achievement.

Tribute:

Jonathan Edwards

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to Mr Jonathan Edwards, whose wife had Lewis connections, on winning the Triple Jump Gold Medal at the World Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, and in setting a new world record in the event.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

C02.13

69

The Minute of Meeting of 6 June 1995 was approved.

FINANCE

Revenue Expenditure 1995/96:

Progress Report

AL03.03.01

70

With reference to item 36 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred in respect of Arts and Leisure during the period 1 April to 30 June 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 1995/96.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Capital Expenditure 1995/96:

Progress Report

AL03.02.01

71

With reference to item 37 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programmes of Capital Expenditure for General Services for 1995/96. The Report detailed the actual expenditure incurred to 30 June 1995 and the estimated expenditure to 31 March 1995 in each Programme.

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

Repairs and Maintenance

(Revenue)

Programme

1995/96

AL03.03.02

72

With reference to item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1995/96 in respect of Arts and Leisure Properties. The Report detailed the approved expenditure for 1995/96 and the total expenditure committed and expended as at 30 June 1995.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust:

Expenditure Plan Reductions 1995

E07.01.01

73

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to make reductions in the expenditure plan for the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust for 1995/96 and 1996/97. It was stated that, in 1994/95, the sum available by way of free income applicable to the Isle of Lewis was £13,310. It was stated that Highland Regional Council, the Trustees of the Scheme, had indicated that there had been a fall in the Trust's investment income, leaving a free income for 1995/96 of £10,500. A proposed revised expenditure plan for 1995/96 was appended to the Report, together with a Provisional Expenditure Plan for 1996/97.

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

Minor Works Grants to Voluntary Organisations:

Conditions of Grant

AL03.04

74*

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report setting out proposals for amendments to the conditions of grant in respect of minor works and repairs grants for village halls, community centres, and facilities for sports and recreation in the Western Isles. It was noted that there was an increase in the number of applications for assistance under the Scheme, especially in respect of larger-scale repairs and renovations programmes. It was indicated that the increasing demand and continued pressure on the budget available had prompted a review of the conditions of grant with a view to ensuring that the Council was able to meet as much of the demand as was possible in the longer term. Existing conditions of grant were set out in the Report. It was suggested that the conditions of grant be extended by the inclusion of a right for the Council to inspect the works being grant aided during their progress and after completion, and for the organisation to be required to give an undertaking that it would maintain the premises in good repair for a period of at least five years from the completion of the works. It was suggested, during this five year period, that no further grant would be available to the organisation in respect of similar works, subject to advance notice from the organisation of any programme of works which might involve a series of funding requests.

It was agreed to recommend that the following be added to the conditions of grant under the Minor Works Grants Scheme:

"(e) ready access to the works subject to grant aid must be allowed to representatives of the Council both during progress of the works and after their completion;

(f) the organisation will be required to give the Council an undertaking that the grant-aided premises will be maintained in good repair for a period of at least five years following the completion of the grant-aided works."

Mr Donald Murray, having declared an interest in the applications from Feis Eilean an Fhraoich and Ocean Youth Club, left the Meeting during consideration of these applications.

Applications for Financial Assistance

75*

The Directors of Education and Leisure Services and Administration and Legal 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

Bridge Community Centre, Stornoway

(AL07.01.05)

Environmental Improvement Works

£7,000

Community Education (Voluntary Associations) - £2,297.00

Virement from:

Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games) - £2,350

Grants and Subscriptions (Youth Work), £2,353

Stornoway Rugby Football Club

(AL06.01.05)

Purchase of Equipment and Assistance with Travel Costs

£732

Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games)

Carloway Community Association

(AL03.01.12)

Assistance Towards Cost of a Demountable Stage System

£1,144

Grants and Subscriptions (Equipment)

Feis Eilean an Fhraoich

(AL05.02)

Support of 1995/96 Activities

£1,500

Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts)

Ocean Youth Club Cruise 1995

(AL07.01)

Assistance Towards the Costs of Six Western Isles Participants

£200

Grants and Subscriptions (Youth Work)

St Mary's Hall Committee

(AL04.03)

"Performance" Grant

£300

Performance Grants to Community Centres and Village Halls

Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club

(AL03.01.27)

Renovation and Repair Work at Goathill Park, Stornoway

£4,303

Community Education (Voluntary Associations)

on the basis that the grants would be payable following submission of contractors' invoices or reports and audited accounts, as appropriate;

(2) that Revenue Grants be made available to the following Feisean on application:

Feis Tir an Eorna - £1,000

Feis Tir a'Mhurain - £1,000

Feis Bharraigh - £1,000

(3) it be delegated to the Director of Education and Leisure Services to award grants to Feisean at the authorised levels; and

(4) that the Scheme of "Performance" Grants for local village halls and community centres be extended to include church halls and that the churches be advised of the grant criteria and the conditions of eligibility.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL02.02.01

76

With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 June 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.

Stornoway Town Hall:

Use by Outer Hebrides Crafts Association

1995/96

LB35.01

77*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from the Outer Hebrides Crafts Association for concessionary terms for the use of Stornoway Town Hall in 1995/96. It was indicated that in 1993 the Council had granted special letting terms to the Association by offering 15% discount on block bookings of the Town Hall for a 12 month period. It was noted that the cost to the Council of a similar concession for 1995/96 would amount to £17.85 per day (excluding VAT) in income foregone.

It was agreed to recommend that the Outer Hebrides Crafts Association be granted a discount of 15% on block bookings of the Stornoway Town Hall in 1995/96.

Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre:

Extended Hours

AL02.01

78*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to extend the opening hours of the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre on Friday nights as part of a programme to increase opportunities for young people in Stornoway and to provide alternatives for youth activities on Friday evenings. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. It was noted that the Sports Centre currently closed to the public at 9.30pm on Fridays. It was suggested that the Centre could stay open for a further two hours, thus allowing staff to leave for home before midnight after cleaning and tidying the Centre. It was stated that there would be a requirement for a minimum of four qualified people to cover the additional two hours, at an estimated cost of £50 per week. It was proposed that the extended hours be operated on a trial basis until Christmas 1995, a period of approximately 16 weeks, at an estimated cost of £800. Comments on the implications for the Sports Centre's financial goals in 1995/96 arising out of the extension of hours were set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the opening hours of the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre be extended on Fridays to 11.30pm for a trial period until Christmas 1995 and subject to a further Report thereafter.

Arising out of consideration of this item, it was suggested that the induction charges at the fitness suite in the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre be reduced at off-peak times for unemployed people and students.

On the motion of Mr Callum I Macmillan, seconded by Mr George Lonie, it was agreed in terms of Standing Order 64 to suspend Standing Orders to enable consideration of the matter.

It was agreed to recommend that, between 9.00 am and 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday, no charges be made for induction courses at the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre fitness suite for unemployed people, students and OAPs and that fitness suite charges be reduced to £1 for these groups during those hours.

A question was raised concerning the provision of play facilities for young people in the Western Isles, particularly regarding the equipment available.

The Director of Education and Leisure Services stated that a Report would be submitted to the Committee at its next Meeting concerning a proposed priority programme of upgrading works at play areas.

It was agreed to recommend that, in the event of savings becoming available at the half year financial review, consideration be given to substantial provision being made towards the cost of replacing play area equipment in the Western Isles.

Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre:

Sunbed Update

AL02.01.01

79

With reference to item 20 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Progress Report concerning the usage of the sunbed facility at the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre, in the light of continued media reports about the safety of such facilities.

It was agreed to continue consideration of this matter until the next Meeting of the Committee, pending the submission of a further Report on the implications of withdrawing the facility because of potential health damage to users.

Project Initiation Report:

All-Weather Sports Facility

AL02.10

80*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Project Initiation Report in respect of an All-Weather Sports Facility in Stornoway. It was stated that the current proposals involved moving the site of the All-Weather Sports Facility from the area adjoining the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre on the West side of the Council building to the existing playing field of The Nicolson Institute and the relocation of that playing field to the area of land on the East side of the Council building, adjacent to Smith Avenue. The Report contained a description of the facilities proposed. Alternative options were set out, together with comments thereon. A number of issues relating to specific aspects of the proposals were outlined in the Report and it was noted that further detailed study of the proposals would be required prior to a final decision being taken on the form and location of a facility to be provided. It was stated that the estimated cost of the project was £1,000,000 and it was intended to submit further Reports on financial aspects and administrative arrangements for the project.

It was agreed, for the Committee's interest to recommend approval of the Project Initiation Report for the proposed All-Weather Sports Facility in Stornoway as submitted by the Director of Education and Leisure Services on the basis that:

(1) the area of ground between the Council Offices and the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre cease to be identified as the site of the all-weather playing surface;

(2) planning approval was secured for the new site to the east of the Council Offices;

(3) further Reports covering outstanding financial and administrative structure matters were submitted to the Committee in due course; and

(4) further Reports were submitted to the Committee on the identified related issues in order to adopt a strategic approach to sports provision which would maximise both the facilities in general and the financial support available.

THE ARTS

Harris Arts and Heritage:

Post of Arts Officer

AL05.02

81*

With reference to item 42 of the Minute of Meting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Harris Arts and Heritage for financial assistance towards the establishment of a part-time post of Arts Officer. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. It was stated that the estimated cost of the post was £18,900 and that there was a shortfall in identified funding of £4,470. Appended to the Report were details of the demands on the Community Education Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts) budget for 1995/96 which indicated that the full provision available would be matched by demand during the course of the year. It was indicated that there was no scope for taking on additional commitments under this budget. It was proposed that no financial assistance be offered towards the establishment costs of the proposed part-time Arts Officer post at Harris Arts and Heritage.

Mr Kenneth Mackay, seconded by Mrs Mary Bremner, moved that financial assistance of £4,470 be offered to Harris Arts and Heritage in respect of establishment costs of the proposed part-time Arts Officer post.

Mr Donald Macleod, seconded by Mr Donald M Mackay, moved as an amendment that Harris Arts and Heritage be advised that no financial assistance towards the establishment costs of its proposed part-time Arts Officer post could be made available in 1995/96.

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

SPORTS AND GAMES

Sports Sponsorship Offer

AL06.01

82*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an offer of Sports Sponsorship by Scottish Hydro-Electric plc. It was indicated that a sum of £5,000 had been offered to the Council to run a programme of Schools of Sport within the current financial year. The general conditions of the offer were set out in the Report. It was indicated that the sponsorship offer had been accepted.

It was agreed for the Committee's interest:

(1) to note the sponsorship offer made by Scottish Hydro-Electric plc;

(2) to recommend homologation of the action of the Director of Education and Leisure Services in accepting the offer; and

(3) to recommend that it be delegated to the Director of Education and Leisure Services, in consultation with the Director of Administration and Legal Services to finalise a contractual arrangement between the Council and the Scottish Sports Council as agents for Scottish Hydro-Electric plc.

YOUTH WORK

Children Under 8: Review of Day Services

AL07.04

83*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services and Acting Director of Social Work submitted a Joint Report concerning the Statutory Review of Day Services for Children Under 8 in the Western Isles. Copies of the Report of the Review of Day Services and a directory of Day Services for Children Under 8 were appended to the Report. The conclusions of the Review were set out in the Report, together with comments thereon. The Report contained proposals for action arising out of the conclusions of the Review. In particular, it was proposed that a Member/Officer Working Group be established to oversee the conduct of the Review and that consideration be given in the context of the Revenue Estimates for 1996/97 to budgetary provision for the discharge of the Council's duties under the Children Act 1989.

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

(1) a Member/Officer Working Group be established to oversee the conduct of the Review of Day Services For Children Under 8 in the Western Isles as required by the Children Act 1989; and

(2) consideration be given in the context of the Revenue Estimates 1996/97 to making budgetary provision within the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure for the discharge of the Committee's duties under the Children Act 1989.

It was further agreed to appoint Mrs Katie M Mackenzie to be a Member of the Member/Officer Working Group.

"Youthwise" Conference, Stornoway

1994

AL07.02

84

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the 1994 "Youthwise" Conference which had been held in Stornoway in January 1994. The Conference Report had been separately circulated to Members. The aims of the conference were outlined in the Report, together with the Conference Programme. Details of the conclusions from the conference were appended to the Report, which contained comments thereon.

It was agreed to note the Report.

RELATED MATTERS

Action Outstanding:

Progress Report

PR33.01.12

85

With reference to item 68 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 June 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 Donald M Mackay
	Mr Alasdair Nicholson	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Donald Murray	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr George Lonie

APOLOGIES	Mr Angus M Graham

Tribute: Museum nan Eilean		The Chairman referred to the opening of Museum nan Eilean on 30 June 1995 and paid tribute to the hard work undertaken by the Curator and his staff in the preparations for the opening and the Chess Exhibition.
Tribute: Chess Tournament		The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to the Lewis Chess Club on their very successful chess tournament which was held in July 1995, in conjunction with the Museum nan Eilean exhibition of the Lewis Chessmen.
Tribute: Callanish Centre		The Chairman referred to the opening on 30 June 1995 of the new Callanish Centre and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to the project for its continuing success in the future.
Tribute: Summer Events		The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to the organisers of all the successful mods, feisean and games held in the Western Isles during the summer, and to all the participants in the various events.
Tribute: Ness Football Club		The Chairman intimated that Ness Football Club had won the Highland Amateur Cup and, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to the Club on this achievement.
Tribute: Jonathan Edwards		The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, extended congratulations to Mr Jonathan Edwards, whose wife had Lewis connections, on winning the Triple Jump Gold Medal at the World Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, and in setting a new world record in the event.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure C02.13	69	The Minute of Meeting of 6 June 1995 was approved.


		FINANCE
Revenue Expenditure 1995/96: Progress Report AL03.03.01	70	With reference to item 36 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred in respect of Arts and Leisure during the period 1 April to 30 June 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 1995/96. It was agreed to note the Report.
Capital Expenditure 1995/96: Progress Report AL03.02.01	71	With reference to item 37 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programmes of Capital Expenditure for General Services for 1995/96. The Report detailed the actual expenditure incurred to 30 June 1995 and the estimated expenditure to 31 March 1995 in each Programme. It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1995/96 AL03.03.02	72	With reference to item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1995/96 in respect of Arts and Leisure Properties. The Report detailed the approved expenditure for 1995/96 and the total expenditure committed and expended as at 30 June 1995. It was agreed to note the Report.
Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust: Expenditure Plan Reductions 1995 E07.01.01	73	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to make reductions in the expenditure plan for the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust for 1995/96 and 1996/97. It was stated that, in 1994/95, the sum available by way of free income applicable to the Isle of Lewis was £13,310. It was stated that Highland Regional Council, the Trustees of the Scheme, had indicated that there had been a fall in the Trust's investment income, leaving a free income for 1995/96 of £10,500. A proposed revised expenditure plan for 1995/96 was appended to the Report, together with a Provisional Expenditure Plan for 1996/97. It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.
Minor Works Grants to Voluntary Organisations: Conditions of Grant AL03.04	74*	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report setting out proposals for amendments to the conditions of grant in respect of minor works and repairs grants for village halls, community centres, and facilities for sports and recreation in the Western Isles. It was noted that there was an increase in the number of applications for assistance under the Scheme, especially in respect of larger-scale repairs and renovations programmes. It was indicated that the increasing demand and continued pressure on the budget available had prompted a review of the conditions of grant with a view to ensuring that the Council was able to meet as much of the demand as was possible in the longer term. Existing conditions of grant were set out in the Report. It was suggested that the conditions of grant be extended by the inclusion of a right for the Council to inspect the works being grant aided during their progress and after completion, and for the organisation to be required to give an undertaking that it would maintain the premises in good repair for a period of at least five years from the completion of the works. It was suggested, during this five year period, that no further grant would be available to the organisation in respect of similar works, subject to advance notice from the organisation of any programme of works which might involve a series of funding requests.
		It was agreed to recommend that the following be added to the conditions of grant under the Minor Works Grants Scheme: "(e) ready access to the works subject to grant aid must be allowed to representatives of the Council both during progress of the works and after their completion; (f) the organisation will be required to give the Council an undertaking that the grant-aided premises will be maintained in good repair for a period of at least five years following the completion of the grant-aided works."
		Mr Donald Murray, having declared an interest in the applications from Feis Eilean an Fhraoich and Ocean Youth Club, left the Meeting during consideration of these applications.
Applications for Financial Assistance	75*	The Directors of Education and Leisure Services and Administration and Legal 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
		Bridge Community Centre, Stornoway (AL07.01.05)	Environmental Improvement Works	£7,000	Community Education (Voluntary Associations) - £2,297.00 Virement from: Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games) - £2,350 Grants and Subscriptions (Youth Work), £2,353
		Stornoway Rugby Football Club (AL06.01.05)	Purchase of Equipment and Assistance with Travel Costs	£732	Grants and Subscriptions (Sports and Games)
		Carloway Community Association (AL03.01.12)	Assistance Towards Cost of a Demountable Stage System	£1,144	Grants and Subscriptions (Equipment)
		Feis Eilean an Fhraoich (AL05.02)	Support of 1995/96 Activities	£1,500	Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts)
		Ocean Youth Club Cruise 1995 (AL07.01)	Assistance Towards the Costs of Six Western Isles Participants	£200	Grants and Subscriptions (Youth Work)
		St Mary's Hall Committee (AL04.03)	"Performance" Grant	£300	Performance Grants to Community Centres and Village Halls
		Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club (AL03.01.27)	Renovation and Repair Work at Goathill Park, Stornoway	£4,303	Community Education (Voluntary Associations)

		on the basis that the grants would be payable following submission of contractors' invoices or reports and audited accounts, as appropriate; (2) that Revenue Grants be made available to the following Feisean on application: Feis Tir an Eorna - £1,000 Feis Tir a'Mhurain - £1,000 Feis Bharraigh - £1,000
		(3) it be delegated to the Director of Education and Leisure Services to award grants to Feisean at the authorised levels; and (4) that the Scheme of "Performance" Grants for local village halls and community centres be extended to include church halls and that the churches be advised of the grant criteria and the conditions of eligibility.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Capital Works Programme and Progress AL02.02.01	76	With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 June 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.
Stornoway Town Hall: Use by Outer Hebrides Crafts Association 1995/96 LB35.01	77*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from the Outer Hebrides Crafts Association for concessionary terms for the use of Stornoway Town Hall in 1995/96. It was indicated that in 1993 the Council had granted special letting terms to the Association by offering 15% discount on block bookings of the Town Hall for a 12 month period. It was noted that the cost to the Council of a similar concession for 1995/96 would amount to £17.85 per day (excluding VAT) in income foregone.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Outer Hebrides Crafts Association be granted a discount of 15% on block bookings of the Stornoway Town Hall in 1995/96.
Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre: Extended Hours AL02.01	78*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to extend the opening hours of the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre on Friday nights as part of a programme to increase opportunities for young people in Stornoway and to provide alternatives for youth activities on Friday evenings. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. It was noted that the Sports Centre currently closed to the public at 9.30pm on Fridays. It was suggested that the Centre could stay open for a further two hours, thus allowing staff to leave for home before midnight after cleaning and tidying the Centre. It was stated that there would be a requirement for a minimum of four qualified people to cover the additional two hours, at an estimated cost of £50 per week. It was proposed that the extended hours be operated on a trial basis until Christmas 1995, a period of approximately 16 weeks, at an estimated cost of £800. Comments on the implications for the Sports Centre's financial goals in 1995/96 arising out of the extension of hours were set out in the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that the opening hours of the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre be extended on Fridays to 11.30pm for a trial period until Christmas 1995 and subject to a further Report thereafter.
		Arising out of consideration of this item, it was suggested that the induction charges at the fitness suite in the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre be reduced at off-peak times for unemployed people and students.
		On the motion of Mr Callum I Macmillan, seconded by Mr George Lonie, it was agreed in terms of Standing Order 64 to suspend Standing Orders to enable consideration of the matter.
		It was agreed to recommend that, between 9.00 am and 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday, no charges be made for induction courses at the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre fitness suite for unemployed people, students and OAPs and that fitness suite charges be reduced to £1 for these groups during those hours.
		A question was raised concerning the provision of play facilities for young people in the Western Isles, particularly regarding the equipment available.
		The Director of Education and Leisure Services stated that a Report would be submitted to the Committee at its next Meeting concerning a proposed priority programme of upgrading works at play areas.
		It was agreed to recommend that, in the event of savings becoming available at the half year financial review, consideration be given to substantial provision being made towards the cost of replacing play area equipment in the Western Isles.
Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre: Sunbed Update AL02.01.01	79	With reference to item 20 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Progress Report concerning the usage of the sunbed facility at the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre, in the light of continued media reports about the safety of such facilities. It was agreed to continue consideration of this matter until the next Meeting of the Committee, pending the submission of a further Report on the implications of withdrawing the facility because of potential health damage to users.
Project Initiation Report: All-Weather Sports Facility AL02.10	80*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Project Initiation Report in respect of an All-Weather Sports Facility in Stornoway. It was stated that the current proposals involved moving the site of the All-Weather Sports Facility from the area adjoining the Nicolson-Lewis Sports Centre on the West side of the Council building to the existing playing field of The Nicolson Institute and the relocation of that playing field to the area of land on the East side of the Council building, adjacent to Smith Avenue. The Report contained a description of the facilities proposed. Alternative options were set out, together with comments thereon. A number of issues relating to specific aspects of the proposals were outlined in the Report and it was noted that further detailed study of the proposals would be required prior to a final decision being taken on the form and location of a facility to be provided. It was stated that the estimated cost of the project was £1,000,000 and it was intended to submit further Reports on financial aspects and administrative arrangements for the project.
		It was agreed, for the Committee's interest to recommend approval of the Project Initiation Report for the proposed All-Weather Sports Facility in Stornoway as submitted by the Director of Education and Leisure Services on the basis that: (1) the area of ground between the Council Offices and the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre cease to be identified as the site of the all-weather playing surface;
		(2) planning approval was secured for the new site to the east of the Council Offices; (3) further Reports covering outstanding financial and administrative structure matters were submitted to the Committee in due course; and (4) further Reports were submitted to the Committee on the identified related issues in order to adopt a strategic approach to sports provision which would maximise both the facilities in general and the financial support available.
		THE ARTS
Harris Arts and Heritage: Post of Arts Officer AL05.02	81*	With reference to item 42 of the Minute of Meting of 25 April 1995, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Harris Arts and Heritage for financial assistance towards the establishment of a part-time post of Arts Officer. The background to the matter was set out in the Report. It was stated that the estimated cost of the post was £18,900 and that there was a shortfall in identified funding of £4,470. Appended to the Report were details of the demands on the Community Education Grants and Subscriptions (The Arts) budget for 1995/96 which indicated that the full provision available would be matched by demand during the course of the year. It was indicated that there was no scope for taking on additional commitments under this budget. It was proposed that no financial assistance be offered towards the establishment costs of the proposed part-time Arts Officer post at Harris Arts and Heritage.
		Mr Kenneth Mackay, seconded by Mrs Mary Bremner, moved that financial assistance of £4,470 be offered to Harris Arts and Heritage in respect of establishment costs of the proposed part-time Arts Officer post.
		Mr Donald Macleod, seconded by Mr Donald M Mackay, moved as an amendment that Harris Arts and Heritage be advised that no financial assistance towards the establishment costs of its proposed part-time Arts Officer post could be made available in 1995/96.
		On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
		SPORTS AND GAMES
Sports Sponsorship Offer AL06.01	82*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an offer of Sports Sponsorship by Scottish Hydro-Electric plc. It was indicated that a sum of £5,000 had been offered to the Council to run a programme of Schools of Sport within the current financial year. The general conditions of the offer were set out in the Report. It was indicated that the sponsorship offer had been accepted.
		It was agreed for the Committee's interest: (1) to note the sponsorship offer made by Scottish Hydro-Electric plc; (2) to recommend homologation of the action of the Director of Education and Leisure Services in accepting the offer; and (3) to recommend that it be delegated to the Director of Education and Leisure Services, in consultation with the Director of Administration and Legal Services to finalise a contractual arrangement between the Council and the Scottish Sports Council as agents for Scottish Hydro-Electric plc.

		YOUTH WORK
Children Under 8: Review of Day Services AL07.04	83*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services and Acting Director of Social Work submitted a Joint Report concerning the Statutory Review of Day Services for Children Under 8 in the Western Isles. Copies of the Report of the Review of Day Services and a directory of Day Services for Children Under 8 were appended to the Report. The conclusions of the Review were set out in the Report, together with comments thereon. The Report contained proposals for action arising out of the conclusions of the Review. In particular, it was proposed that a Member/Officer Working Group be established to oversee the conduct of the Review and that consideration be given in the context of the Revenue Estimates for 1996/97 to budgetary provision for the discharge of the Council's duties under the Children Act 1989.
		It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that: (1) a Member/Officer Working Group be established to oversee the conduct of the Review of Day Services For Children Under 8 in the Western Isles as required by the Children Act 1989; and (2) consideration be given in the context of the Revenue Estimates 1996/97 to making budgetary provision within the Revenue Estimates for Arts and Leisure for the discharge of the Committee's duties under the Children Act 1989.
		It was further agreed to appoint Mrs Katie M Mackenzie to be a Member of the Member/Officer Working Group.
"Youthwise" Conference, Stornoway 1994 AL07.02	84	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the 1994 "Youthwise" Conference which had been held in Stornoway in January 1994. The Conference Report had been separately circulated to Members. The aims of the conference were outlined in the Report, together with the Conference Programme. Details of the conclusions from the conference were appended to the Report, which contained comments thereon. It was agreed to note the Report.
		RELATED MATTERS
Action Outstanding: Progress Report PR33.01.12	85	With reference to item 68 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 June 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.
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