AL9703

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 11 March 1997 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mrs Christina McNeill

Mr George Lonie

Mrs Mary Bremner

APOLOGIES

Mr Donald Macleod

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

CO2.13

21

The Minute of Meeting of 5 March 1997 was approved.

FINANCE

General Capital Programme 1997/98

AL03.02

22

With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of the Arts and Leisure Committee of 28 January 1997, the Chief Executive and Director of Finance submitted a joint Report concerning the General Capital Programme for 1997/98.

It was agreed to recommend that:-

(1) the General Service Capital Programme for 1997/98, as contained in Appendix 1 to the Report by the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance be approved, together with the commitments into the subsequent financial year; and

(2) that Officers of the Council continue to work on developing a system to determine the remainder of the three year rolling General Capital Programme and that the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to organise a Seminar for Members and Officers of the Council to discuss the suggested framework before the 1998/99 - 1999/2000 Programmes are finalised.

Lewis and Harris Sports Festival 1997:

Application for Financial Assistance

AL06.01.23

23*

With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 1996 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival 1997. The Report indicated that this was the twenty first year of the Festival and it would be appropriate for the Council to award a revenue grant of £2,000 to the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival together with the free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, Stornoway at a cost of £1,000 in foregone income. The Director of Education and Leisure Services further recommended that in light of the importance of the event that the Council award a further grant of £500 to The Lewis and Harris Sports Festival.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant in the sum of £2,500 to the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival 1997 plus the free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, Stornoway, at a cost of £1,000 in foregone income.

Western Isles Women's Aid

Application for Financial Assistance

SW03.06.02

24

The Principal Administrative Assistant sought and obtained the Vice Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.

Plasterfield Recreation Association:

Financial Assistance

AL06.02.18

25*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Plasterfield Recreation Association towards the purchase and installation of play equipment at a play area at Plasterfield, Stornoway, at a total cost of £9,469. The Report indicated that this type of project would normally attract assistance at 25% of eligible costs and recommended that the Council award a Revenue Grant of £1,760 to the Plasterfield Recreation Association. The Director of Education and Leisure Services further recommended that a further grant of £600 be awarded to Plasterfield Recreation Association

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant in the sum of £2,360 to the Plasterfield Recreation Association.

Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club: Application for Financial Assistance

AL06.01.50

26*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report seeking homologation of the granting of free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre to the Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club towards a two day gymnastics coaching course over 13-15 February 1997. The Report indicated that the total cost of the course was £510 of which £230 was for the let of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. The Report recommended that the Council homologate the Director of Education and Leisure's action in granting the free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre to the Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club for 13-15 February 1997 at a cost of £230 in foregone income.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendation.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

AL02.02.01

27

With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Capital Works Programme and Progress in relation to Arts and Leisure Properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 23(i), the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to any terms proposed by the Council in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition of good or services, would be disclosed.

Kildonan Museum, South Uist: Funding Arrangements

AL09.02.11

28*

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning conditions imposed by the National Heritage Memorial Fund in relation to the grant by the Fund to Comunn Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas for further development to the site at Kildonan, South Uist. The Report indicated that the Council would wish, in relation to its interest as landowner of the Kildonan Museum site, to be satisfied that the terms of the grant would not expose the Council to any future conflicts and recommended that the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to serve notice on the National Heritage Memorial Fund of the terms of the Council's interest in the site at Kildonan, South Uist. The Director of Administration and Legal Services further recommended that such steps as may be necessary to transfer the Kildonan Old School to Comunn Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas at normal value, and subject to the consent of the Secretary of State for Scotland, in a timescale appropriate to allow the Comunn Eachdraidh to access the National Heritage Memorial Fund grant.

It was agreed to recommend that:-

(1) the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to serve notice on the National Heritage Memorial Fund of the terms of the Council's interest in the site at Kildonan, South Uist; and

(2) the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to take such steps as may be necessary to transfer the Kildonan Old School to Comunn Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas at nominal value, and subject to the consent of the Secretary of State for Scotland, in a timescale appropriate to allow the Comunn Eachdraidh to access the National Heritage Memorial Fund grant.

The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the recommendations, 28 (1) and (2) on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to allow the work to commence on site before the end of the financial year on the basis that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.

Lews Castle Project: Update and Link Progress Report

E02.28.20

29*

With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing progress on the Lews Castle Project and appending a letter from the National Heritage Memorial Fund indicating that the Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund having considered the application at its meeting on 21 January 1997, decided to reject the Scheme as submitted and giving a number of reasons for this decision. The Report stated that the Fund had indicated that a revised Scheme would need to be on a more modest scale and addressing the points raised in the Report, with particular reference to the involvement of a professional archivist, the surrounding landscape for the Lews Castle, the bridge link, and Business Plans for the project. The Report indicated that a number of options were currently being considered for presentation to the Member/Officer Working Party, initially, prior to the April series of Meetings.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) progress on the project be noted; and

(2) the matter be considered in detail by the Member/Officer Working Group prior to further consideration by the Arts and Leisure Committee in April 1997.

BROADCASTING

Digital Terrestrial Television

PR14.03.1

30*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning digital terrestrial television and the possible effect this development may have on the availability of television channels within the Western Isles. The Report indicated that the Independent Television Commission had embarked on a consultation exercise regarding the award of the licences for four digital terrestrial television networks and had sought the Council's views on the bids. The Report set out, in detail, the implications for the Western Isles and indicated that the Independent Television Commission had intimated that the proposed digital terrestrial television service would range from around ninety per cent of the UK population for the largest of the multiplexes to seventy per cent for the smallest. The Report identified areas for comments which would be appropriate for submission to the ITC, insofar as the Council's interest was concerned. The Research and Intelligence Officer further reported that the BBC had issued a Consultation Document setting out its proposal for digital television services. The proposals included the use of all broadcast transmission systems - satellite, cable and land based transmitters. It was noted that, on the basis of the information available, the services to the Western Isles would most likely be satellite-based. The BBC intended to broadcast its current channels on digital services and to develop new services including a twenty four hour news service, and channels offering additional programmes related to the mainstream services and information services. Proposals for enhanced regional programming and their availability on a UK wide basis were highlighted.

It was agreed that the Chief Executive be authorised to submit as the Council's response to the Consultation Exercise on the award of the digital terrestrial television multiplex licences, the comments which were detailed in Section 6 of the Chief Executive's Report.

The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to submit the comments prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Council on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.

PLAY AREAS

Play Areas Programme

AL06.02

31*

With reference to item 17 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing Members of progress on in the 1996/97 Programme and seeking authority to progress with the next identified priority area and recommending that the Committee expend the balance of the Play Areas Improvement Capital Budget in upgrading works to the remaining play areas in the Cearns Estate, Stornoway.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to expend the balance of the Play Areas Improvement Capital Budget in upgrading works to the remaining Play Areas in the Cearns Estate, Stornoway.

The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to expend the budget prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Council on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.

EXHIBITIONS

St Columba's Anniversary Exhibition and Events

AL09.01.13

32*

With reference to item 92 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 October 1996 the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing progress on the St Columba's Exhibition and Events Programme and indicating that planning for the exhibition was well advanced. Appended to the Report was an outline of the events, with details of costings and detailing possible sources of funding for the events.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) that the progress with the exhibition be noted;

(2) approval of the list of events listed in Appendix 1 of the Report;

(3) that, in the event that any of the sources of funding indicated in the Report withdraw from the programme, or if a smaller sum than was originally anticipated is received, that particular event, or that part of the event represented by non-Council funding, be omitted from the Programme;

(4) that the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Chief Executive be authorised to progress the exhibition and events respectively and make any arrangements and changes as are necessary; and

(5) that a recommendation be made to the Policy and Resources Committee to consider ways of tidying up the town of Stornoway, prior to the Exhibition.

CULTURAL LINKS

Derry Spring Arts Festival

PR13.07.01B

33*

With reference to item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1996, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning an invitation from the organisers of the Derry Spring Arts Festival for the Council to be represented at the Festival. The Report indicated that the Council had previously been represented at the Festival and sought nominations from the Committee to represent the Council, at member level, at the Derry Spring Festival 1997.

It was agreed to recommend that the Council be represented at the Derry Spring Arts Festival by Mr Alasdair G Macrae, Vice Chairman of Arts and Leisure Committee, and Mr George Lonie.

The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to accept the invitation prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Council on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.

RELATED MATTERS

Action Outstanding: Progress Report

PR33.01.12

34

With reference to item 18 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, 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 Alasdair G Macrae (Vice-Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Roderick Macdonald	Mr Callum I Macmillan
	Mr Alasdair Nicholson	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Angus M Graham	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Donald Murray	Mrs Christina McNeill
	Mr George Lonie	Mrs Mary Bremner

APOLOGIES	Mr Donald Macleod

		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure CO2.13	21	The Minute of Meeting of 5 March 1997 was approved.
		FINANCE
General Capital Programme 1997/98 AL03.02	22	With reference to item 4 of the Minute of Meeting of the Arts and Leisure Committee of 28 January 1997, the Chief Executive and Director of Finance submitted a joint Report concerning the General Capital Programme for 1997/98. It was agreed to recommend that:- (1) the General Service Capital Programme for 1997/98, as contained in Appendix 1 to the Report by the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance be approved, together with the commitments into the subsequent financial year; and (2) that Officers of the Council continue to work on developing a system to determine the remainder of the three year rolling General Capital Programme and that the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to organise a Seminar for Members and Officers of the Council to discuss the suggested framework before the 1998/99 - 1999/2000 Programmes are finalised.
Lewis and Harris Sports Festival 1997: Application for Financial Assistance AL06.01.23	23*	With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 January 1996 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival 1997. The Report indicated that this was the twenty first year of the Festival and it would be appropriate for the Council to award a revenue grant of £2,000 to the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival together with the free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, Stornoway at a cost of £1,000 in foregone income. The Director of Education and Leisure Services further recommended that in light of the importance of the event that the Council award a further grant of £500 to The Lewis and Harris Sports Festival.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant in the sum of £2,500 to the Lewis and Harris Sports Festival 1997 plus the free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre, Stornoway, at a cost of £1,000 in foregone income.
Western Isles Women's Aid Application for Financial Assistance SW03.06.02	24	The Principal Administrative Assistant sought and obtained the Vice Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Plasterfield Recreation Association: Financial Assistance AL06.02.18	25*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Plasterfield Recreation Association towards the purchase and installation of play equipment at a play area at Plasterfield, Stornoway, at a total cost of £9,469. The Report indicated that this type of project would normally attract assistance at 25% of eligible costs and recommended that the Council award a Revenue Grant of £1,760 to the Plasterfield Recreation Association. The Director of Education and Leisure Services further recommended that a further grant of £600 be awarded to Plasterfield Recreation Association
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant in the sum of £2,360 to the Plasterfield Recreation Association.
Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club: Application for Financial Assistance AL06.01.50	26*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report seeking homologation of the granting of free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre to the Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club towards a two day gymnastics coaching course over 13-15 February 1997. The Report indicated that the total cost of the course was £510 of which £230 was for the let of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. The Report recommended that the Council homologate the Director of Education and Leisure's action in granting the free use of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre to the Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club for 13-15 February 1997 at a cost of £230 in foregone income.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendation.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress AL02.02.01	27	With reference to item 8 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Capital Works Programme and Progress in relation to Arts and Leisure Properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 23(i), the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to any terms proposed by the Council in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition of good or services, would be disclosed.
Kildonan Museum, South Uist: Funding Arrangements AL09.02.11	28*	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning conditions imposed by the National Heritage Memorial Fund in relation to the grant by the Fund to Comunn Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas for further development to the site at Kildonan, South Uist. The Report indicated that the Council would wish, in relation to its interest as landowner of the Kildonan Museum site, to be satisfied that the terms of the grant would not expose the Council to any future conflicts and recommended that the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to serve notice on the National Heritage Memorial Fund of the terms of the Council's interest in the site at Kildonan, South Uist. The Director of Administration and Legal Services further recommended that such steps as may be necessary to transfer the Kildonan Old School to Comunn Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas at normal value, and subject to the consent of the Secretary of State for Scotland, in a timescale appropriate to allow the Comunn Eachdraidh to access the National Heritage Memorial Fund grant.
		It was agreed to recommend that:- (1) the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to serve notice on the National Heritage Memorial Fund of the terms of the Council's interest in the site at Kildonan, South Uist; and (2) the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to take such steps as may be necessary to transfer the Kildonan Old School to Comunn Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas at nominal value, and subject to the consent of the Secretary of State for Scotland, in a timescale appropriate to allow the Comunn Eachdraidh to access the National Heritage Memorial Fund grant.
		The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the recommendations, 28 (1) and (2) on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to allow the work to commence on site before the end of the financial year on the basis that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.
Lews Castle Project: Update and Link Progress Report E02.28.20	29*	With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing progress on the Lews Castle Project and appending a letter from the National Heritage Memorial Fund indicating that the Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund having considered the application at its meeting on 21 January 1997, decided to reject the Scheme as submitted and giving a number of reasons for this decision. The Report stated that the Fund had indicated that a revised Scheme would need to be on a more modest scale and addressing the points raised in the Report, with particular reference to the involvement of a professional archivist, the surrounding landscape for the Lews Castle, the bridge link, and Business Plans for the project. The Report indicated that a number of options were currently being considered for presentation to the Member/Officer Working Party, initially, prior to the April series of Meetings.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) progress on the project be noted; and (2) the matter be considered in detail by the Member/Officer Working Group prior to further consideration by the Arts and Leisure Committee in April 1997.

		BROADCASTING
Digital Terrestrial Television PR14.03.1	30*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning digital terrestrial television and the possible effect this development may have on the availability of television channels within the Western Isles. The Report indicated that the Independent Television Commission had embarked on a consultation exercise regarding the award of the licences for four digital terrestrial television networks and had sought the Council's views on the bids. The Report set out, in detail, the implications for the Western Isles and indicated that the Independent Television Commission had intimated that the proposed digital terrestrial television service would range from around ninety per cent of the UK population for the largest of the multiplexes to seventy per cent for the smallest. The Report identified areas for comments which would be appropriate for submission to the ITC, insofar as the Council's interest was concerned. The Research and Intelligence Officer further reported that the BBC had issued a Consultation Document setting out its proposal for digital television services. The proposals included the use of all broadcast transmission systems - satellite, cable and land based transmitters. It was noted that, on the basis of the information available, the services to the Western Isles would most likely be satellite-based. The BBC intended to broadcast its current channels on digital services and to develop new services including a twenty four hour news service, and channels offering additional programmes related to the mainstream services and information services. Proposals for enhanced regional programming and their availability on a UK wide basis were highlighted.
		It was agreed that the Chief Executive be authorised to submit as the Council's response to the Consultation Exercise on the award of the digital terrestrial television multiplex licences, the comments which were detailed in Section 6 of the Chief Executive's Report.
		The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to submit the comments prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Council on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.
		PLAY AREAS
Play Areas Programme AL06.02	31*	With reference to item 17 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing Members of progress on in the 1996/97 Programme and seeking authority to progress with the next identified priority area and recommending that the Committee expend the balance of the Play Areas Improvement Capital Budget in upgrading works to the remaining play areas in the Cearns Estate, Stornoway.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to expend the balance of the Play Areas Improvement Capital Budget in upgrading works to the remaining Play Areas in the Cearns Estate, Stornoway.
		The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to expend the budget prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Council on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.

		EXHIBITIONS
St Columba's Anniversary Exhibition and Events AL09.01.13	32*	With reference to item 92 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 October 1996 the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing progress on the St Columba's Exhibition and Events Programme and indicating that planning for the exhibition was well advanced. Appended to the Report was an outline of the events, with details of costings and detailing possible sources of funding for the events.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) that the progress with the exhibition be noted; (2) approval of the list of events listed in Appendix 1 of the Report; (3) that, in the event that any of the sources of funding indicated in the Report withdraw from the programme, or if a smaller sum than was originally anticipated is received, that particular event, or that part of the event represented by non-Council funding, be omitted from the Programme; (4) that the Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Chief Executive be authorised to progress the exhibition and events respectively and make any arrangements and changes as are necessary; and (5) that a recommendation be made to the Policy and Resources Committee to consider ways of tidying up the town of Stornoway, prior to the Exhibition.
		CULTURAL LINKS
Derry Spring Arts Festival PR13.07.01B	33*	With reference to item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1996, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning an invitation from the organisers of the Derry Spring Arts Festival for the Council to be represented at the Festival. The Report indicated that the Council had previously been represented at the Festival and sought nominations from the Committee to represent the Council, at member level, at the Derry Spring Festival 1997.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Council be represented at the Derry Spring Arts Festival by Mr Alasdair G Macrae, Vice Chairman of Arts and Leisure Committee, and Mr George Lonie.
		The Committee unanimously agreed, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, that the Committee determine the above recommendation, on behalf of the Council, under delegated powers, in light of the need to accept the invitation prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Council on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Council.
		RELATED MATTERS
Action Outstanding: Progress Report PR33.01.12	34	With reference to item 18 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1997, 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.
______