AL9708

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 19 August 1997 at 9.00 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Calum I Macmillan

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mrs Christina McNeil

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mrs Mary Bremner

APOLOGIES

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr George Lonie

CONSTITUTION

Appointment of Chairman

C02.01

Following the resignation of Mr Donald Macleod the Director of Administration and Legal Services chaired the meeting and called for nominations for Chairman. Mrs Mary Bremner seconded by Mr Donald Murray moved that Mr Alasdair G Macrae be nominated as Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee. There being no further nominations Mr Alasdair G Macrae was duly appointed as Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee.

Tribute:

Mr Malcolm Burr

C01.04

The Chairman referred to Mr Malcolm Burr, Principal Solicitor, who would shortly be leaving the Council to take up a new position with Orkney Islands Council and, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr Burr for his dedicated and professional support to the Committee and wished him well in his future career.

Tribute:

Mrs Dolina Macleod

C01.04

The Chairman referred to Mrs Dolina Macleod, Principal Administrative Assistant, who would shortly be going on maternity leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended good wishes to Mrs Macleod for the happy extension of her family.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

C02.12

69

The Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 was approved.

CONSTITUTION

The Committee agreed in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to comply with the Council's scheme of administration which required that casual vacancies arising on the Committee should be filled as soon as possible.

Appointment of Vice-Chairman

C02.01

70

Following the appointment of Mr Alasdair G Macrae to Chairman of Arts and Leisure Committee the position of Vice-Chairman became vacant. The Chairman called for nominations for the post of Vice-Chairman. Mrs Christina McNeil seconded by Mr Roderick Macdonald moved the nomination of Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, Mr Donald Murray seconded by Mr Angus Graham moved the nomination of Mr Calum I Macmillan. There being more than one candidate, the Committee agreed to vote on the matter by ballot. On the vote being cast Mrs Katie M Mackenzie received the majority of the votes cast and the Chairman invited Mrs Mackenzie to accept the Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Appointments to Outside Bodies, Sub-Committees and Working Groups

AL01.01

71*

There was submitted a Report by the Director of Administration and Legal Services concerning vacancies arising on outside bodies Sub-Committees and Working Groups following the resignation of Mr Donald Macleod.

It was agreed to recommend that the vacancies be filled as follows:-

An Lanntair Limited - Chairman or Nominee

Urras nan Gearrannan - Mr Roderick J Murray

Lewis and Harris Youth Forum - Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

The Youth Work Joint Liaison Committee - Mr Callum I Macmillan

Lews Castle Member Officer Working Group - Chairman

It was further agreed to recommend that the Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee be the Council's substitute member on COSLA's Education and Cultural Services Forum.

FINANCE

Revenue Expenditure Monitoring Report to 30 June 1997

AL03.03.01/

PR110.08.14

72

With reference to item 36 of the minute of Meeting of 22 April 1997 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing income and revenue expenditure incurred form 1 April 1997 to 30 June 1997.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Capital Expenditure Monitoring Report to 30 June 1997

AL03.02.01

73

With reference to item 52 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Council for the period 1 April 1997 to 30 June 1997 for all Services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the forecast out-turn of Expenditure for the financial year 1997/98.

It was agreed to note the Report.

An Sulaire Trust

AL03.04

74*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from An Sulaire Trust towards the purchase of essential safety equipment.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to assist An Sulaire Trust with a Revenue Grant of £1,370 supplemented by a Section 24 award of £500 from the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust, towards the purchase of essential safety equipment.

Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club

AL03.04

75*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club towards the purchase of trailed gang mowers.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of up to £1,800 to Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club towards the purchase of trailed gang mowers.

Calum Buchanan, Uig, Calum Mackenzie, Marybank

AL03.04

76*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Mr Calum Buchanan, Uig and Mr Calum Mackenzie, Marybank towards the costs of their participation in the Amateur Motor Car Rallying Sport in Scotland.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a revenue Grant of £700 each to Calum Buchanan, Uig and Calum Mackenzie, Marybank to assist in defraying their ferry charges in connection with their participation in the Amateur Motor Rallying in Scotland.

Back - Tong Community Newspaper

AL03.04

77*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Back - Tong Community Newspaper towards the purchase of Desk Top Publishing Equipment.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £1,035 to the Back - Tong Community Newspaper towards the purchase of Desk Top Publishing Equipment.

Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay

AL03.04

78*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay, towards the purchase of crockery and cutlery for use at local events.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £1,230 to Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay towards the purchase of crockery and cutlery.

Subsidised Community Use of Schools: Autumn 1997

AL06.03

79*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the need to reintroduce restrictions on subsidised school lets from 1 September 1997. Details of the background to the matter were given.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the reintroduction of restrictions on subsidised community use of schools from 1 September 1997 by the Education and Leisure Services Department in light of the funding shortfall for this activity be noted; and

(2) additional funds reserved but no longer required for a possible Stornoway all-weather facility rates bill be reallocated in order to continue the current arrangements beyond 1 September 1997.

Rural Initiatives Scotland Scheme 1997

AL06.02

AL10.01

80*

The Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report concerning an application from Rural Scotland Forum seeking a contribution from the Western Isles Council towards the 1997 Rural Initiative Scotland Scheme. Four applications were made to the Scheme from the Western Isles in 1996, all of which were successful and a total amount of £1,800 was received by the organisations who applied.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to contribute towards the Rural Initiative Scheme in the sum of £750 with the contribution coming from the Community Education Grant and Subscriptions Revenue Budget for Adult Education 1997/98.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL02.02.01

81

With reference to item 63 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in relation to Arts and Leisure Capital Programmes. Arising out of consideration of this item the Committee agreed that a Report should appear in front of the next meeting of the Arts and Leisure Committee in relation to the Play Area in Murdoch Place, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PIR Ardvourlie Residential Centre

AL03.01

82*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Project Initiation Report concerning an application for financial assistance towards the Ardvourlie Residential Centre Project. The Report indicated that the total Project cost was estimated at £478,695 and that the Council was being asked to meet a short-fall of £50,000. The Report highlighted the necessity for this kind of residential centre within Lewis and Harris and indicated the various activities which would benefit from having this kind of centre.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to include the sum of £50,000 in the 1998/99 Capital Works Programme towards the costs of this Project.

RELATED MATTERS

The Buchan Lecture 1997

AL09.01.13

83*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining arrangements for the Buchan Lecture which the Society of Antiquities of Scotland had awarded to the Western Isles for 1997 as a contribution towards the Colm Cille Commemorations. The Report further indicated that the Lecture would be held in Castlebay, Isle of Barra on 25 September 1997 and would be given by Mr Brian Lacy, Senior Curator, Derry City Museum.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to make a revenue contribution of £1500 plus an allocation of £300 from the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust to support a Programme of up to 20 small scale public lectures in 1997/98 and further that the Council agree to support the staging of a Buchan Lecture in Castlebay on 25 September 1997. It was further agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to acknowledge the prestigious award.

Exhibition and Events Themes 1998 - 2000 AL10.01

84*

The Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report concerning the Exhibition and Events Theme 1998 - 2000. To beginning planning of a exhibitions and programmes of events it was proposed that themes be approved for 1998, 1999 and 2000.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Council approve the themes for 1998 as the Year of Wildlife, 1999 as the Norse Connection and 2000 as Gaelic and the Scots;

(2) discussions take place with potential partners and funding bodies to progress the relevant exhibitions and events; and

(3) the details of the exhibitions and events be reported for approval.

The Committee agreed in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to ensure the matter was considered by all Service Committees at the same time.

Third Review of List of Key Tasks 1994 - 1999

PR11.21.20

85*

With reference to item 64 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 1996, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning the Third Review of List of Key Tasks 1994-1999.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services implement the following List of Key Tasks for Arts & Leisure, in light of the Third Review:-

Policies

(1) Enhance provision for Sports, the Arts and Culture; and

(2) Collaborate with sporting bodies, arts organisations and cultural groups to enhance opportunities for all.

Tasks

(1) Complete sports facilities in Stornoway;

(2) Promote Sports, Arts and Cultural developments;

(3) provision of a new central library facility for Stornoway;

(4) encouraging and enabling the provision of a new Arts Centre/Exhibition work space/performing arts facility;

(5) determining the future of Lews Castle; and

(6) strategic review of leisure facilities and programme of planned investment in close co-operation with development of Area Schools.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Outstanding Action: Progress Report.

PR33.01.12

86

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a report detailing the action outstanding arising from decisions since 1 May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

____

PRESENT	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Calum I Macmillan
	Mr Roderick Macdonald	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Donald Murray	Mrs Christina McNeil
	Mr Donald I Nicholson	Mrs Mary Bremner

APOLOGIES	Mr Donald M Mackay	Mr Alasdair Nicholson
	Mr George Lonie

		CONSTITUTION
Appointment of Chairman C02.01		Following the resignation of Mr Donald Macleod the Director of Administration and Legal Services chaired the meeting and called for nominations for Chairman. Mrs Mary Bremner seconded by Mr Donald Murray moved that Mr Alasdair G Macrae be nominated as Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee. There being no further nominations Mr Alasdair G Macrae was duly appointed as Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee.
Tribute: Mr Malcolm Burr C01.04		The Chairman referred to Mr Malcolm Burr, Principal Solicitor, who would shortly be leaving the Council to take up a new position with Orkney Islands Council and, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Mr Burr for his dedicated and professional support to the Committee and wished him well in his future career.
Tribute: Mrs Dolina Macleod C01.04		The Chairman referred to Mrs Dolina Macleod, Principal Administrative Assistant, who would shortly be going on maternity leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended good wishes to Mrs Macleod for the happy extension of her family.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure C02.12	69	The Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 was approved.
		CONSTITUTION
		The Committee agreed in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to comply with the Council's scheme of administration which required that casual vacancies arising on the Committee should be filled as soon as possible.
Appointment of Vice-Chairman C02.01	70	Following the appointment of Mr Alasdair G Macrae to Chairman of Arts and Leisure Committee the position of Vice-Chairman became vacant. The Chairman called for nominations for the post of Vice-Chairman. Mrs Christina McNeil seconded by Mr Roderick Macdonald moved the nomination of Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, Mr Donald Murray seconded by Mr Angus Graham moved the nomination of Mr Calum I Macmillan. There being more than one candidate, the Committee agreed to vote on the matter by ballot. On the vote being cast Mrs Katie M Mackenzie received the majority of the votes cast and the Chairman invited Mrs Mackenzie to accept the Vice-Chair of the Committee.
Appointments to Outside Bodies, Sub-Committees and Working Groups AL01.01	71*	There was submitted a Report by the Director of Administration and Legal Services concerning vacancies arising on outside bodies Sub-Committees and Working Groups following the resignation of Mr Donald Macleod. It was agreed to recommend that the vacancies be filled as follows:-
		An Lanntair Limited - Chairman or Nominee Urras nan Gearrannan - Mr Roderick J Murray Lewis and Harris Youth Forum - Mrs Katie M Mackenzie The Youth Work Joint Liaison Committee - Mr Callum I Macmillan Lews Castle Member Officer Working Group - Chairman It was further agreed to recommend that the Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee be the Council's substitute member on COSLA's Education and Cultural Services Forum.
		FINANCE
Revenue Expenditure Monitoring Report to 30 June 1997 AL03.03.01/ PR110.08.14	72	With reference to item 36 of the minute of Meeting of 22 April 1997 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing income and revenue expenditure incurred form 1 April 1997 to 30 June 1997. It was agreed to note the Report.
Capital Expenditure Monitoring Report to 30 June 1997 AL03.02.01	73	With reference to item 52 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Council for the period 1 April 1997 to 30 June 1997 for all Services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the forecast out-turn of Expenditure for the financial year 1997/98. It was agreed to note the Report.
An Sulaire Trust AL03.04	74*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from An Sulaire Trust towards the purchase of essential safety equipment. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to assist An Sulaire Trust with a Revenue Grant of £1,370 supplemented by a Section 24 award of £500 from the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust, towards the purchase of essential safety equipment.
Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club AL03.04	75*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club towards the purchase of trailed gang mowers. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of up to £1,800 to Goathill Park Amenities and Recreation Club towards the purchase of trailed gang mowers.
Calum Buchanan, Uig, Calum Mackenzie, Marybank AL03.04	76*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Mr Calum Buchanan, Uig and Mr Calum Mackenzie, Marybank towards the costs of their participation in the Amateur Motor Car Rallying Sport in Scotland. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a revenue Grant of £700 each to Calum Buchanan, Uig and Calum Mackenzie, Marybank to assist in defraying their ferry charges in connection with their participation in the Amateur Motor Rallying in Scotland.
Back - Tong Community Newspaper AL03.04	77*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Back - Tong Community Newspaper towards the purchase of Desk Top Publishing Equipment.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £1,035 to the Back - Tong Community Newspaper towards the purchase of Desk Top Publishing Equipment.
Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay AL03.04	78*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay, towards the purchase of crockery and cutlery for use at local events. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £1,230 to Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay towards the purchase of crockery and cutlery.
Subsidised Community Use of Schools: Autumn 1997 AL06.03	79*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the need to reintroduce restrictions on subsidised school lets from 1 September 1997. Details of the background to the matter were given. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the reintroduction of restrictions on subsidised community use of schools from 1 September 1997 by the Education and Leisure Services Department in light of the funding shortfall for this activity be noted; and (2) additional funds reserved but no longer required for a possible Stornoway all-weather facility rates bill be reallocated in order to continue the current arrangements beyond 1 September 1997.
Rural Initiatives Scotland Scheme 1997 AL06.02 AL10.01	80*	The Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report concerning an application from Rural Scotland Forum seeking a contribution from the Western Isles Council towards the 1997 Rural Initiative Scotland Scheme. Four applications were made to the Scheme from the Western Isles in 1996, all of which were successful and a total amount of £1,800 was received by the organisations who applied. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to contribute towards the Rural Initiative Scheme in the sum of £750 with the contribution coming from the Community Education Grant and Subscriptions Revenue Budget for Adult Education 1997/98.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works Programme and Progress AL02.02.01	81	With reference to item 63 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in relation to Arts and Leisure Capital Programmes. Arising out of consideration of this item the Committee agreed that a Report should appear in front of the next meeting of the Arts and Leisure Committee in relation to the Play Area in Murdoch Place, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. It was agreed to note the Report.
PIR Ardvourlie Residential Centre AL03.01	82*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Project Initiation Report concerning an application for financial assistance towards the Ardvourlie Residential Centre Project. The Report indicated that the total Project cost was estimated at £478,695 and that the Council was being asked to meet a short-fall of £50,000. The Report highlighted the necessity for this kind of residential centre within Lewis and Harris and indicated the various activities which would benefit from having this kind of centre. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to include the sum of £50,000 in the 1998/99 Capital Works Programme towards the costs of this Project.
		RELATED MATTERS
The Buchan Lecture 1997 AL09.01.13	83*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining arrangements for the Buchan Lecture which the Society of Antiquities of Scotland had awarded to the Western Isles for 1997 as a contribution towards the Colm Cille Commemorations. The Report further indicated that the Lecture would be held in Castlebay, Isle of Barra on 25 September 1997 and would be given by Mr Brian Lacy, Senior Curator, Derry City Museum.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to make a revenue contribution of £1500 plus an allocation of £300 from the Ross and Cromarty Educational Trust to support a Programme of up to 20 small scale public lectures in 1997/98 and further that the Council agree to support the staging of a Buchan Lecture in Castlebay on 25 September 1997. It was further agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to acknowledge the prestigious award.
Exhibition and Events Themes 1998 - 2000 AL10.01	84*	The Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report concerning the Exhibition and Events Theme 1998 - 2000. To beginning planning of a exhibitions and programmes of events it was proposed that themes be approved for 1998, 1999 and 2000. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Council approve the themes for 1998 as the Year of Wildlife, 1999 as the Norse Connection and 2000 as Gaelic and the Scots; (2) discussions take place with potential partners and funding bodies to progress the relevant exhibitions and events; and (3) the details of the exhibitions and events be reported for approval.
		The Committee agreed in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to ensure the matter was considered by all Service Committees at the same time.
Third Review of List of Key Tasks 1994 - 1999 PR11.21.20	85*	With reference to item 64 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 1996, the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning the Third Review of List of Key Tasks 1994-1999. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services implement the following List of Key Tasks for Arts & Leisure, in light of the Third Review:-
		Policies (1) Enhance provision for Sports, the Arts and Culture; and (2) Collaborate with sporting bodies, arts organisations and cultural groups to enhance opportunities for all.
		Tasks (1) Complete sports facilities in Stornoway; (2) Promote Sports, Arts and Cultural developments; (3) provision of a new central library facility for Stornoway; (4) encouraging and enabling the provision of a new Arts Centre/Exhibition work space/performing arts facility; (5) determining the future of Lews Castle; and (6) strategic review of leisure facilities and programme of planned investment in close co-operation with development of Area Schools.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Outstanding Action: Progress Report. PR33.01.12	86	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a report detailing the action outstanding arising from decisions since 1 May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
____