AL9709

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 30 September 1997 at 9.00 am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr George Lonie

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Donald Murray

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Calum I Macmillan

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Angus M Graham

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Tribute:

Mr Norman A Macdonald and Mr Roderick Morrison

C01.04

The Chairman welcomed Mr Roderick Morrison, Member for Shawbost and Mr Norman A Macdonald, Member for Uig to their first Meeting of the Committee.

Tribute:

An Lanntair

C01.04

The Chairman congratulated An Lanntair on the award of £3.8 million by the Scottish Arts Council to build a new Arts Centre.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

C02.13

87

The Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1997 was approved.

CONSTITUTION

Appointment to Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee

AL01.02

88

There was submitted a Report by the Director of Administration and Legal Services concerning the vacancy arising on the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee following the resignation of Mr Donald Macleod.

It was agreed to appoint Mr Norman A Macdonald, Member for the Uig Ward, to the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee

FINANCE

Budget Strategy 1998/99 - Initial Considerations

PR110.03.24

89*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Budget Strategy for 1998/99 and a supplementary Report on the Change of Social Work Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE). The Report reviewed the main factors influencing the 1998/99 Budget and indicated provisional Cash Planning Limits for planning purposes. The supplementary Report indicated changes in the calculation of GAE, mainly in respect of Social Work services for the care of the elderly. The current position is that there is a shortfall, assuming a 9.5% Council Tax rise, of £1,226,739. Of this £301,900 can be found by savings brought forward. This leaves £924,839 to be found as savings in 1998/99. In addition it is intended that Heads of Service are to submit proposals for 1% of savings for growth totalling £316,494. This makes a total of £1,241,333 of savings to be identified.

The figures for the Arts and Leisure Committee are for Savings to be found of £56,872 plus 1% savings for growth items of £17,413 making a total savings of £74,285.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the provisional Cash Planning Limits (CPLs) for 1998/99 set out in Appendix A to the Supplementary Report on Social Work Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) be approved, subject to any virements arising from any future review of Committee and Departmental functions and structures;

(2) Heads of Service be required to identify and report on savings in their controllable budgets to bring 1998/99 budgets within CPLs and for these savings to be considered by the Service Committees and the Finance Sub-Committee Working Party;

(3) Heads of Service are required to identify potential savings of 1% of controllable budgets over and above those required to get to the CPL;

(4) Heads of Service, who wish to bid for growth, be required to identify the savings matching the growth bid, with no guarantee that the savings identified would be earmarked for their own growth bid; and

(5) the Council seek an urgent meeting with the Minister of State for Scotland to discuss change in the Social Work GAE including the implications for services.

Revenue Budget Adjustments 1997/98

PR110.03.23

AL03.03

90*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning Revenue Budget adjustments 1997/98 in the Community Education Grants and Subscriptions budget to distribute £5,000 of balances.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to distribute £5,000 from balances arising from 1996/97 within the Community Education Supplies and Services Budget for 1997/98 to:

the Arts £3,000

Sports and Games£1,000

Youth Work£1,000.

Lewis and Harris Piping Society

AL05.02.10

91*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Lewis and Harris Piping Society towards the purchase of equipment.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of up to £1,978 to the Lewis and Harris Piping Society towards the purchase of equipment.

Western Isles Gaelic Feisean 1997

AL05.02

92*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Western Isles Gaelic Feisean 1997 towards the costs of Feis Eilean an Fhraoich, Feis Tir an Eorna, Feis Tir a' Mhurain & Feis Bharraigh.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a revenue Grant of £1,500 to Feis Eilean an Fhraoich and £1,000 each to Feis Tir an Eorna, Feis Tir a' Mhurain & Feis Bharraigh making a total of £4,500.

Stornoway Canoe Club

AL06.01.21

93*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Stornoway Canoe Club towards equipment and training costs to upgrade their competence in terms of the British Canoe Union's certification.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £2,700 supplemented by £200 from Section 24 of the Ross & Cromarty Educational Trust to the Stornoway Canoe Club towards equipment and training costs to upgrade their competence in terms of the British Canoe Union's certification, subject to the Club's submission of evidence showing its own funds to be sufficient for these purposes.

Western Isles Guide Association

AL07.01.01

94*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from Western Isles Guide Association, towards the costs of a training course between 10 and 14 October 1997.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £300 supplemented by £260 from the Ross & Cromarty Educational Trust to the Western Isles Guide Association towards the costs of a training course between 10 and 14 October 1997.

Local Capital Grants Scheme 1998-99

North Lochs Community Association

AL03.01.13

95*

With reference to item 71 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 1996, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Local Capital Grants Scheme 1998-99 application from the North Lochs Community Association. Details of the background to the matter were given.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) an award of Capital Grant of up to £50,000 be confirmed by the Director of Education and Leisure Services to the North Lochs Community Association for 1998/99; and

(2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services include the North Lochs Community Association in discussions on the facilities within the proposed Lochs Community School to avoid unnecessary duplication of facilities between the School and the Community Hall.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL03.02

96

With reference to item 81 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in relation to Arts and Leisure Capital Programmes.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Swimming Pool Covers

AL02.05

97*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning Swimming Pool Covers. The Report indicated that the covers were known to save energy costs.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to arrange for the installation of the Swimming Pool Cover at Lionel as soon as possible and that quotations be sought for similar covers to be purchased and installed at Lionacleit, Castlebay and Shawbost.

Arising from this matter it was agreed that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be asked to arrange for the problems with the air temperature at Daliburgh Pool to be investigated and reported back to the local Member.

Valtos Outdoor Centre

AL02.02

AL07.05

98

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Valtos Outdoor Centre. The Report indicated the work that was going to be needed over the next few years to the Centre. At the time of writing the Report a decision from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority on whether or not the Centre would be granted a licence was awaited. It was further reported that information had just been received that a licence would be granted but only for a one year period and that a list of work to be done to enable further licences to be granted was expected shortly.

It was agreed that as a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority had been granted for one year the Director of Education and Leisure Services submit a Report to the next Meeting of the Committee on the work required to the Valtos Outdoor Centre and if possible include comparisons with other centres.

Murdoch Place Play Area

AL02.12

99*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Murdoch Place Play Area. It was reported that the play area was little used and is in a rather rundown condition. A need had been identified for a `kick-about' area for which there was public support. This would cost in the order of £22,600. There was no identified budget for this work and it was not currently in the draft Capital Programme.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to arrange for the Murdoch Place Play Area, Stornoway to be converted to a `kick-about' area, subject to the normal capital procedures and consultation with the Play Areas Working Group.

Aline Woodland: Restoration and Visitor Interpretation Centre

DS40.05.01

100

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the request for funding by Duthaich Leodhais agus na Hearadh Ltd for funding in connection with the development of the Aline Woodland: Restoration and Visitor Interpretation Centre. The Report detailed the current position with the development by the company which had applied for Objective 1 funding. To have the application for Objective 1 funding considered further the company had to show it had secured matching funding.

The Report recommended that;

(1) the request for funding from Duthaich Leodhais agus na Hearadh Ltd be approved, with £3,000 from the Development Services LEADER budget and £2,000 from the Arts and Leisure budget per annum over a 3 year period, and a further £10,000 in officer's time spread over the three year period; and

(2) any funding be subject to the successful outcome of the Objective 1 bid and the preparation by Duthaich Leodhais agus na Hearadh Ltd of a Development Plan.

Further information was requested which was not immediately available but should be available for the Development Services Committee.

It was agreed insofar as the Arts and Leisure Committee's interests were concerned to note the Report.

LAND

It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of item 101 on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (i) namely, any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services

Lews Castle Project:

Land Issues

E02.20.28

101*

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning the Lews Castle Project which provided an update on land issues relating to Lews Castle Project and sought approval to acquire an area of land adjacent to the Castle for car parking. The Report sought authority to enter into negotiations with Lews Castle College with a view to purchasing the area to the North West of the Castle, currently used by the College for temporary classrooms, which transferred to Lews Castle College as part of the transfer of assets when the College was removed from local authority control. This area would be required to implement the car/bus parking required for the Council's current proposals. It was proposed in the Report that, if agreement can be reached, the Council would enter into conditional missives with Lews Castle College whereby a price would be agreed but that price would not become payable until a decision on funding, to the satisfaction of the Council, had been made.

It is recommended that the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to conclude missives to acquire the area of ground shown outlined on the plan attached to the Report (or such part thereof as the Director of Technical Services of the Council may agree is sufficient to meet the Lews Castle Project's car/bus parking requirements) at a price to be determined by the District Valuer, Scotland North West, which Missives shall be conditional upon the Council obtaining sufficient funding from external sources to enable it, in its sole judgement, to satisfactorily implement the said Project and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Administration and Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, may determine.

Area of Ground Adjacent to Leverburgh School:

Lease to Play Area for Leverburgh

AL02.12

102*

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning the area of ground adjacent to Leverburgh School proposed to be leased to Play Area for Leverburgh (PAL). The Report proposed the approval of a 21 year lease of Council owned land to PAL to enable PAL to access funding to establish a play area for pre-school and school children. The area is next to Leverburgh School and currently houses three caravans which are used by the Playgroup, Croileagan and disabled Scouts. Each of these Groups has given written confirmation that they would have no objection to PAL assuming responsibility for the whole area provided their interests are protected.

It is recommended that the area adjacent to Leverburgh School extending to 2,544 square metres or thereby shown outlined in red on the plan attached to the Report be leased to PAL (Play Area for Leverburgh) at a nominal rent subject to the consent of the Secretary of State being obtained, subject to the rights of the Groups currently using the buildings located on this area being protected and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Administration and Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, shall consider appropriate.

RELATED MATTERS

Musicians of the Western Isles:

Promotional Compact Disc

103

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining arrangements for a promotional compact disc of Musicians of the Western Isles. The Report further indicated that the disc would have local artists both in Gaelic and English and would promote the Council's name. It would be produced by a mainland based company and the Council would receive royalties. The Report recommended support for an agreement between Carnyx Sound Recordings and Western Isles Enterprise.

It was agreed not to proceed further with this proposal and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submit a Report to the next Meeting of the Committee on the possibility of locally made recordings.

Exhibition and Events Themes 1998 year of Wildlife

AL10.01

104*

The Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report and supplementary joint Report concerning the Exhibition and Events Themes 1998 the Year of Wildlife. To begin planning of exhibitions and programmes of events it was proposed that an initial list of events be approved for 1998. The supplementary Report detailed the costings for the proposed events.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the programme of events be approved and a contribution from the Council up to a maximum of £46,500 be made with this sum to come from the Museum Service Revenue Estimates 1998/99; and

(2) the Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to progress the Exhibition and Events in line with available funding and make any arrangements and changes necessary.

Mod 2000 Bid: Western Isles

AL05.05

105*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Mod 2000 Bid from the Western Isles. The Report indicated that the Islands had been unsuccessful in their bid to host the Mod 2000.

It was agreed that the Report be noted and that efforts would continue to find appropriate alternative mechanisms to celebrate the Year 2000, already designated as the Year of Gaelic through enhanced support to existing and future festivals with a Gaelic and Celtic flavour.

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 Castlebay Library could remain open during its full hours.

Establishment of Part-Time Post of Library Assistant, Castlebay Community Library

AL08.02

106*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report proposing the establishment of a part-time post of Library Assistant grade GS2 in Castlebay Community Library to maintain present Saturday opening hours and that the post be offered through internal advertisement to existing Council employees. The establishment of the post was necessary to maintain access to library services in Barra on Saturdays for those members of the community who did otherwise have access from Monday to Friday and who required the facilities for educational, recreational, cultural and information purposes.

It was agreed to recommend to the Personnel Sub-Committee that, insofar as the Arts and Leisure Committee's service interests are concerned, the post of part-time Library Assistant in Castlebay Community Library be established.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Outstanding Action: Progress Report.

PR33.01.12

107

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 George Lonie
	Mr Roderick Macdonald	Mr Donald Murray
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Calum I Macmillan
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Angus M Graham	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Tribute: Mr Norman A Macdonald and Mr Roderick Morrison C01.04		The Chairman welcomed Mr Roderick Morrison, Member for Shawbost and Mr Norman A Macdonald, Member for Uig to their first Meeting of the Committee.
Tribute: An Lanntair C01.04		The Chairman congratulated An Lanntair on the award of £3.8 million by the Scottish Arts Council to build a new Arts Centre.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure C02.13	87	The Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1997 was approved.
		CONSTITUTION
Appointment to Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee AL01.02	88	There was submitted a Report by the Director of Administration and Legal Services concerning the vacancy arising on the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee following the resignation of Mr Donald Macleod. It was agreed to appoint Mr Norman A Macdonald, Member for the Uig Ward, to the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee
		FINANCE
Budget Strategy 1998/99 - Initial Considerations PR110.03.24	89*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Budget Strategy for 1998/99 and a supplementary Report on the Change of Social Work Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE). The Report reviewed the main factors influencing the 1998/99 Budget and indicated provisional Cash Planning Limits for planning purposes. The supplementary Report indicated changes in the calculation of GAE, mainly in respect of Social Work services for the care of the elderly. The current position is that there is a shortfall, assuming a 9.5% Council Tax rise, of £1,226,739. Of this £301,900 can be found by savings brought forward. This leaves £924,839 to be found as savings in 1998/99. In addition it is intended that Heads of Service are to submit proposals for 1% of savings for growth totalling £316,494. This makes a total of £1,241,333 of savings to be identified. The figures for the Arts and Leisure Committee are for Savings to be found of £56,872 plus 1% savings for growth items of £17,413 making a total savings of £74,285.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the provisional Cash Planning Limits (CPLs) for 1998/99 set out in Appendix A to the Supplementary Report on Social Work Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) be approved, subject to any virements arising from any future review of Committee and Departmental functions and structures; (2) Heads of Service be required to identify and report on savings in their controllable budgets to bring 1998/99 budgets within CPLs and for these savings to be considered by the Service Committees and the Finance Sub-Committee Working Party; (3) Heads of Service are required to identify potential savings of 1% of controllable budgets over and above those required to get to the CPL; (4) Heads of Service, who wish to bid for growth, be required to identify the savings matching the growth bid, with no guarantee that the savings identified would be earmarked for their own growth bid; and (5) the Council seek an urgent meeting with the Minister of State for Scotland to discuss change in the Social Work GAE including the implications for services.
Revenue Budget Adjustments 1997/98 PR110.03.23 AL03.03	90*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning Revenue Budget adjustments 1997/98 in the Community Education Grants and Subscriptions budget to distribute £5,000 of balances. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to distribute £5,000 from balances arising from 1996/97 within the Community Education Supplies and Services Budget for 1997/98 to: the Arts £3,000 Sports and Games£1,000 Youth Work£1,000.
Lewis and Harris Piping Society AL05.02.10	91*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Lewis and Harris Piping Society towards the purchase of equipment. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of up to £1,978 to the Lewis and Harris Piping Society towards the purchase of equipment.
Western Isles Gaelic Feisean 1997 AL05.02	92*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Western Isles Gaelic Feisean 1997 towards the costs of Feis Eilean an Fhraoich, Feis Tir an Eorna, Feis Tir a' Mhurain & Feis Bharraigh. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a revenue Grant of £1,500 to Feis Eilean an Fhraoich and £1,000 each to Feis Tir an Eorna, Feis Tir a' Mhurain & Feis Bharraigh making a total of £4,500.
Stornoway Canoe Club AL06.01.21	93*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Stornoway Canoe Club towards equipment and training costs to upgrade their competence in terms of the British Canoe Union's certification.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £2,700 supplemented by £200 from Section 24 of the Ross & Cromarty Educational Trust to the Stornoway Canoe Club towards equipment and training costs to upgrade their competence in terms of the British Canoe Union's certification, subject to the Club's submission of evidence showing its own funds to be sufficient for these purposes.
Western Isles Guide Association AL07.01.01	94*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning an application for financial assistance from Western Isles Guide Association, towards the costs of a training course between 10 and 14 October 1997. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a Revenue Grant of £300 supplemented by £260 from the Ross & Cromarty Educational Trust to the Western Isles Guide Association towards the costs of a training course between 10 and 14 October 1997.
Local Capital Grants Scheme 1998-99 North Lochs Community Association AL03.01.13	95*	With reference to item 71 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 1996, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Local Capital Grants Scheme 1998-99 application from the North Lochs Community Association. Details of the background to the matter were given. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) an award of Capital Grant of up to £50,000 be confirmed by the Director of Education and Leisure Services to the North Lochs Community Association for 1998/99; and (2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services include the North Lochs Community Association in discussions on the facilities within the proposed Lochs Community School to avoid unnecessary duplication of facilities between the School and the Community Hall.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works Programme and Progress AL03.02	96	With reference to item 81 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in relation to Arts and Leisure Capital Programmes. It was agreed to note the Report.
Swimming Pool Covers AL02.05	97*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning Swimming Pool Covers. The Report indicated that the covers were known to save energy costs. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to arrange for the installation of the Swimming Pool Cover at Lionel as soon as possible and that quotations be sought for similar covers to be purchased and installed at Lionacleit, Castlebay and Shawbost. Arising from this matter it was agreed that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be asked to arrange for the problems with the air temperature at Daliburgh Pool to be investigated and reported back to the local Member.
Valtos Outdoor Centre AL02.02 AL07.05	98	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Valtos Outdoor Centre. The Report indicated the work that was going to be needed over the next few years to the Centre. At the time of writing the Report a decision from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority on whether or not the Centre would be granted a licence was awaited. It was further reported that information had just been received that a licence would be granted but only for a one year period and that a list of work to be done to enable further licences to be granted was expected shortly. It was agreed that as a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority had been granted for one year the Director of Education and Leisure Services submit a Report to the next Meeting of the Committee on the work required to the Valtos Outdoor Centre and if possible include comparisons with other centres.
Murdoch Place Play Area AL02.12	99*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Murdoch Place Play Area. It was reported that the play area was little used and is in a rather rundown condition. A need had been identified for a `kick-about' area for which there was public support. This would cost in the order of £22,600. There was no identified budget for this work and it was not currently in the draft Capital Programme. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to arrange for the Murdoch Place Play Area, Stornoway to be converted to a `kick-about' area, subject to the normal capital procedures and consultation with the Play Areas Working Group.
Aline Woodland: Restoration and Visitor Interpretation Centre DS40.05.01	100	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the request for funding by Duthaich Leodhais agus na Hearadh Ltd for funding in connection with the development of the Aline Woodland: Restoration and Visitor Interpretation Centre. The Report detailed the current position with the development by the company which had applied for Objective 1 funding. To have the application for Objective 1 funding considered further the company had to show it had secured matching funding. The Report recommended that; (1) the request for funding from Duthaich Leodhais agus na Hearadh Ltd be approved, with £3,000 from the Development Services LEADER budget and £2,000 from the Arts and Leisure budget per annum over a 3 year period, and a further £10,000 in officer's time spread over the three year period; and (2) any funding be subject to the successful outcome of the Objective 1 bid and the preparation by Duthaich Leodhais agus na Hearadh Ltd of a Development Plan. Further information was requested which was not immediately available but should be available for the Development Services Committee. It was agreed insofar as the Arts and Leisure Committee's interests were concerned to note the Report.
		LAND
		It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of item 101 on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (i) namely, any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services
Lews Castle Project: Land Issues E02.20.28	101*	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning the Lews Castle Project which provided an update on land issues relating to Lews Castle Project and sought approval to acquire an area of land adjacent to the Castle for car parking. The Report sought authority to enter into negotiations with Lews Castle College with a view to purchasing the area to the North West of the Castle, currently used by the College for temporary classrooms, which transferred to Lews Castle College as part of the transfer of assets when the College was removed from local authority control. This area would be required to implement the car/bus parking required for the Council's current proposals. It was proposed in the Report that, if agreement can be reached, the Council would enter into conditional missives with Lews Castle College whereby a price would be agreed but that price would not become payable until a decision on funding, to the satisfaction of the Council, had been made. It is recommended that the Director of Administration and Legal Services be authorised to conclude missives to acquire the area of ground shown outlined on the plan attached to the Report (or such part thereof as the Director of Technical Services of the Council may agree is sufficient to meet the Lews Castle Project's car/bus parking requirements) at a price to be determined by the District Valuer, Scotland North West, which Missives shall be conditional upon the Council obtaining sufficient funding from external sources to enable it, in its sole judgement, to satisfactorily implement the said Project and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Administration and Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, may determine.
Area of Ground Adjacent to Leverburgh School: Lease to Play Area for Leverburgh AL02.12	102*	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report concerning the area of ground adjacent to Leverburgh School proposed to be leased to Play Area for Leverburgh (PAL). The Report proposed the approval of a 21 year lease of Council owned land to PAL to enable PAL to access funding to establish a play area for pre-school and school children. The area is next to Leverburgh School and currently houses three caravans which are used by the Playgroup, Croileagan and disabled Scouts. Each of these Groups has given written confirmation that they would have no objection to PAL assuming responsibility for the whole area provided their interests are protected. It is recommended that the area adjacent to Leverburgh School extending to 2,544 square metres or thereby shown outlined in red on the plan attached to the Report be leased to PAL (Play Area for Leverburgh) at a nominal rent subject to the consent of the Secretary of State being obtained, subject to the rights of the Groups currently using the buildings located on this area being protected and subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Administration and Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, shall consider appropriate.
		RELATED MATTERS
Musicians of the Western Isles: Promotional Compact Disc	103	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report outlining arrangements for a promotional compact disc of Musicians of the Western Isles. The Report further indicated that the disc would have local artists both in Gaelic and English and would promote the Council's name. It would be produced by a mainland based company and the Council would receive royalties. The Report recommended support for an agreement between Carnyx Sound Recordings and Western Isles Enterprise. It was agreed not to proceed further with this proposal and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submit a Report to the next Meeting of the Committee on the possibility of locally made recordings.
Exhibition and Events Themes 1998 year of Wildlife AL10.01	104*	The Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report and supplementary joint Report concerning the Exhibition and Events Themes 1998 the Year of Wildlife. To begin planning of exhibitions and programmes of events it was proposed that an initial list of events be approved for 1998. The supplementary Report detailed the costings for the proposed events. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the programme of events be approved and a contribution from the Council up to a maximum of £46,500 be made with this sum to come from the Museum Service Revenue Estimates 1998/99; and (2) the Chief Executive and the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to progress the Exhibition and Events in line with available funding and make any arrangements and changes necessary.
Mod 2000 Bid: Western Isles AL05.05	105*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the Mod 2000 Bid from the Western Isles. The Report indicated that the Islands had been unsuccessful in their bid to host the Mod 2000. It was agreed that the Report be noted and that efforts would continue to find appropriate alternative mechanisms to celebrate the Year 2000, already designated as the Year of Gaelic through enhanced support to existing and future festivals with a Gaelic and Celtic flavour.
		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 Castlebay Library could remain open during its full hours.
Establishment of Part-Time Post of Library Assistant, Castlebay Community Library AL08.02	106*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report proposing the establishment of a part-time post of Library Assistant grade GS2 in Castlebay Community Library to maintain present Saturday opening hours and that the post be offered through internal advertisement to existing Council employees. The establishment of the post was necessary to maintain access to library services in Barra on Saturdays for those members of the community who did otherwise have access from Monday to Friday and who required the facilities for educational, recreational, cultural and information purposes.
		It was agreed to recommend to the Personnel Sub-Committee that, insofar as the Arts and Leisure Committee's service interests are concerned, the post of part-time Library Assistant in Castlebay Community Library be established.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Outstanding Action: Progress Report. PR33.01.12	107	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.
____