AL9806

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 9 June 1998 at 9.00 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Donald Murray

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr George Lonie

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Callum I Macmillan

APOLOGIES

Mrs Mary Bremner

Tribute:

Mr William Houston

C01.04

The Chairman welcomed Mr William Houston, who had recently taken up the post of Depute Director of Leisure Services to his first Meeting of the Committee.

Tribute:

Boys Brigade

C01.04

The Chairman referred to the recent lunch hosted by the Comhairle to mark the annual inspection of the Boys Brigade and passed on the Brigade's appreciation to the Comhairle.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure Committee

C02.13

53

The Minute of Meeting of 21 April 1998 was approved

Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee

C02.13

54

The Minute of Meeting of 26 March 1998 was noted.

BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress

PR03.02.01

55

With reference to item 39 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 April 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Programme and Progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Acres Boys Club Building: Report on Existing Facilities

AL03.01.23

56*

With reference to item 40 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 April 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning school and community usage of the current hall/gymnasium facilities in Stornoway and indicated that recent surveys had highlighted an inadequacy in existing facilities. The Report suggested ways in which the anticipated demand for hall and gymnasium facilities could be resolved through an enhancement of the existing facilities for school and community usage.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(a) the proposed phasing of the construction element of the Acres Boys Club Building Project in financial year 2000/2001 be approved in principle;

(b) the estimated additional pre-refurbishment revenue costs of £6.8k per annum be considered in the context of the preparation of the 2000/2001 Revenue Estimates for Education and Arts and Leisure, and any revenue costs incurred in the current financial year being absorbed within current provision; and

(c) the estimated additional post-refurbishment revenue costs of £28.7k per annum (at current prices) be considered in the context of the preparation of the Revenue Estimates for Education and Arts and Leisure for the first operational year of the new facility.

Valtos Outdoor Centre

AL02.02

57*

With reference to item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 April 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the progress on the Valtos Outdoor Centre Project which had arisen out of discussions by the Valtos Member/Officer Working Group. Appended to the Report were previous reports which had been submitted to the Committee in relation to the project. The Report gave details of proposed amendments to the P.I.R. previously submitted which included revised financial implications.

It was recommended in the Report that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised:

(a) not to proceed with a new facility;

(b) to implement the proposed improvements in relation to the plans submitted to the Arts and Leisure Committee on 27 January 1998 including the provision of additional showers;

(c) to submit the Project for consideration in the 2000/2001 Capital Programme;

(d) to determine the appropriateness of recommending a substitution in the 1998/99 Programme under the Air an Oir designation;

(e) in principle to agree that the Project be submitted to external bodies for funding;

(f) in conjunction with the Director of Technical Services to request NOSWA to investigate the water pressure aspect associated with the Project.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the above recommendations with the exception of the recommendation detailed at (d).

Valtos Member Officer Working Group

AL01.07

58*

The Notes of Meetings of the Valtos Member Officer Working Group of 18 and 22 May 1998 were noted.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Valtos Member/Officer Working Group continue and that it be asked to investigate possible funding packages for the Valtos Outdoor Centre including funding from external agencies.

Daliburgh Swimming Pool

AL02.05

59*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the external frame to the Daliburgh Swimming Pool which was in need of major refurbishment or replacement. The Report detailed options in terms of an external frame for the Swimming Pool.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to;

(a) prepare a PIR on the construction of a new pool enclosure using traditional construction and for the necessary refurbishment to the mechanical and electrical services installation; and

(b) include within the PIR, extensions to the existing building layout to allow the construction of effective draft lobbies.

It was further agreed to recommend that a Report by the Director of Technical Services be brought to Committee investigating the possibility of the existing tank at Daliburgh swimming pool being housed in the same building along with the library and the Croileagan.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: Final Out-turn Figures

PR110.01.23

60*

With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1998 the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the final out-turn of expenditure for the financial year 1997/98.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Finance be authorised to carry forward the net underspend and slippage from the 1997/98 programme to cover the increased commitment in 1998/99.

Fourth Quarter Revenue Out-turn

AL03.02.01

61

With reference to item 24 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 February 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Fourth Quarter Revenue Out-turn for the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 indicating an underspend of £35,056 which would be carried forward into the 1998/99 financial year and indicated factors which had resulted in this underspend in terms of the Arts and Leisure budget.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets from the 1997/98 Financial Year to the 1998/99 Financial Year

AL03.03

62*

With reference to item 24 of the Minute of Meeting of 25 February 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning proposals for the allocation of funds carried forward from the 1997/98 financial year to the 1998/1999 financial year.

It was agreed to recommend that the allocation of funds carried forward from 1997/98 to the 1998/99 financial year be as follows:

Museum Conservation Laboratory 5.5k

Museum Conservation Officer (Contribution) 8.5k

Museum Grants and Services Year End Balance 8K

Community Education Grants Allocation 14k

Total 35k

Community Education: Grants and Subscriptions

AL03.03

63

With reference to item 43 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 April 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the rates of payment for Community Education Revenue Grants paid under the approved Comhairle formula which would apply in 1998/99.

It was agreed to note the rates of payment for Community Education Revenue Grants, as detailed in the Report, which would be applied in 1998/99.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Western Isles Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Development Officer Funding 1998/99

AL07.01.16

64*

With reference to item 84 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1996 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from the Western Isles Duke of Edinburgh Award Committee for a grant towards funding of the post of Development Officer in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to:

(a) award a grant of £21,000 in the current financial year;

(b) award £7,000 from the Revenue Estimates for Education and allocate £1,000 from the Ross and Cromarty Trust; and

(c) award £13,000 from the Arts and Leisure Budget (Arts and Leisure Committee had already agreed a specified sum of £8,000 at the distribution of grants stage and the remaining £5,000 from the Youth Work Budget).

The Stones of Scotland: Application for Financial Assistance

AL05.06

65

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Stones of Scotland Project. The Report gave details of the background to the application and indicated that each Local Authority in Scotland had been asked to contribute towards a public sculpture in Edinburgh. The Report recommended that Members agree in principle to make a contribution of £5,000 to the Stones of Scotland Project.

It was agreed to defer consideration of this matter.

The Whalebone Arch at Bragar: Application for Financial Assistance in relation to a Feasibility Study AL05.06

66*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance in respect of a feasibility study to be carried out into the viability of developing the Whalebone Arch in Bragar, Lewis as a public sculpture.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant in the sum of £1,000 towards the cost of a feasibility study to be allocated from savings accrued in the current year from the vacant post of Archaeologist.

Bridge Community Centre: Application for Financial Assistance

AL07.01.05

67*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Bridge Community Centre towards the costs of a refurbishment project to the Community Centre. The Report gave details of the refurbishment project and indicated that the Bridge Community Centre were seeking a grant of £5,000 being 30% of the project costs.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant in the sum of £5,000 to the Bridge Community Centre to match the commitment by Western Isles Enterprise.

Taigh Chearsabhagh: Funding Application for Community Events AL09.02.12

68*

With reference to item 48 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 April 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Taigh Chearsabhagh towards the cost of three community events. The Report gave details of the application and indicated that of the three projects submitted, one met the criteria for funding, namely the Arts Summer School.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant of £3,750 to the Arts Summer School organised by Taigh Chearsabhagh which would be funded from the Youth Work Budget.

TOSG Theatre Company: Western Isles Tour of Beul nam Breug: Application for Financial Assistance AL11.06

69*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from TOSG Theatre Company in respect of their tour of the Western Isles with a production of "Beul nam Breug".

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant in the sum of £2,800 to TOSG, subject to the due submission of completed accounts.

Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations: Application for Financial Assistance to Purchase a Risograph Printer

AL09.02

70*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations towards the cost of purchasing a risograph printer. The Report indicated that the printer would be used to improve the production of a community newspaper.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant in the sum of £2,397 to Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations towards the cost of purchasing a risograph printer.

Uig Community Centre and Museum: Application for Financial Assistance AL03.01.16

71*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Uig Community Centre Association towards the costs of purchasing new equipment for the new Community Centre. The Report detailed the projected costs of the equipment and indicated appropriate sources of funding for the Comhairle contribution.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant of £10,000 to Uig Community Association to be funded as follows;

£3,000 Community Education

£7,000 Transfer of savings accruing from the delay in filling the post of Depute Director of Leisure Services

Uig Heritage Trust: Application for Financial Assistance AL09.01

72*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Uig Heritage Trust towards the cost of equipment for the museum section of the new community centre in Uig. The Report gave details of the projected cost of the equipment and indicated that the application could be supported in the sum of £4,647, and recommended possible sources of funding.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant of £4,647 to be funded on the following basis:

£2,436 from the Community Education Equipment Budget

£2,211 from savings arising from vacant post of Museum Assistant

Western Isles Community Games: Application for Financial Assistance AL11.03

73*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Western Isles Community Games Organising Committee to meet the travel costs of competitors from throughout the Western Isles to attend the event.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to:

(a) award a grant of £2,490 to the Community Games Organising Committee; and

(b) arrange free letting of the Outdoor sports facilities as a further contribution to the event.

1998 Hebridean Celtic Festival: Application for Financial Assistance AL05.02.45

74*

With reference to item 58 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the Hebridean Celtic Festival 1998. The Report indicated the success of the Festival in its previous years of operation.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant of £12,500 to the Hebridean Celtic Festival, subject to the due submission of accounts.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was further agreed to recommend that in order for the Festival to have security in terms of funding the Hebridean Celtic Festival should receive Comhairle funding on the same basis as An Lanntair and Taigh Chearsabhagh.

It was further agreed that the Organisers of the Hebridean Celtic Festival be congratulated on their achievement in organising such a major festival.

Pròiseact nan Ealan: Summer School 1998 Application for Financial Assistance AL05.03.47

75*

With reference to item 60* of the Minute of Meeting of 10 June 1997 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Pròiseact nan Ealan towards the cost of running the Ceòlas Summer School in South Uist from 5 - 10 July 1998. The Report detailed the projected cost of the summer school and indicated the sum being sought from the Comhairle was £5,000.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to:

(a) award a grant of £5,000 to Pròiseact nan Ealan towards the Ceòlas Summer School subject to the submission of audited accounts.

(b) bring a further Report back to the Committee which would investigate ways to fund the Ceòlas Summer School, in line with other organisations funded by the Comhairle.

Egil, Son of Night Wolf: Application for Financial Assistance by Grey Coast Theatre Company AL11.06

76*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Grey Coast Theatre Company towards the costs of production of a community play, Egil, Son of Night Wolf, based on the medieval Icelandic Egil saga. The Report indicated that part of the production would be translated into Gaelic for the production in Stornoway which would take place in September/October 1998.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant of up to £5,000 to Grey Coast Theatre Company, subject to the due submission of completed accounts.

Arising out of discussion of the above item it was agreed to recommend that during the summer recess the Director of Education and Leisure Services in consultation with the Chairman of Arts and Leisure Committee be given delegated authority to deal with outstanding applications for financial assistance.

It was further agreed that a Report giving details of awards made would be submitted to the August series of Meetings.

Cultural Visit to St Etienne: Pròiseact nan Ealan

PR60.01

77*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report seeking homologation for his action in responding positively to a request for financial assistance from Pròiseact nan Ealan towards the travel costs of a cultural visit by representatives from the Western Isles to St Etienne, France in June 1998. The Report indicated that the visit had attracted financial support from the Scottish Office and Western Isles Enterprise

It was agreed to recommend that the action taken by the Chief Executive in responding positively to the request for financial assistance from Proiseact nan Ealan for a cultural visit to St Etienne, France, in June 1998, on the basis detailed in the Report, be homologated

RECREATION

Sgoil Lionacleit: Sunday Afternoon Usage of Sports/Cafeteria Facilities E02.58

78*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Sgoil Lionacleit School Board to extend the opening hours of the swimming pool, games facilities and cafeteria to include Sundays from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on a subsidised basis. The Report indicated that there was no financial provision in the current budget to provide a subsidised service. The Report asked Members to indicate which of the undernoted options they wished to see implemented:

(1) Sunday afternoon usage of the Sgoil Lionacleit facilities to be made available to facilitate youth groups on a self financing basis in line with the existing Comhairle policies and existing budgetary provision at a cost of £223.40 per 2.00 - 5.00 p.m. session;

(2) Sunday afternoon usage of the Sgoil Lionacleit facilities be made available on the basis of Comhairle subsidy, either at a level of additional budgetary provision of £6,150 or £4,450 for which provision being made in the budget for 1999/2000 should be agreed in principle

(3) Sunday afternoon usage of the Sgoil Lionacleit facilities be made available, funding to the value of £4,000 for the 1998/99 be provided with consideration of the source of funding at the half year review.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to make available the Sgoil Lionacleit facilities for Sunday afternoon usage on the basis that funding to the value of £4,000 for 1998/99 be provided, with consideration of the source of funding at the half year review.

Play Areas - Provision and Capital Expenditure

AL02.12

79*

With reference to item 44 of the Minute of Meeting of 21 April 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Comhairle's policy in relation to capital expenditure for play areas, whether or not they were attached to Council Housing Schemes. The Report indicated the current policy in relation to responsibility for maintenance and upgrading or provision of new play areas and confirmed that no financial provision existed in the 1998/99 Non-housing Capital Programme in respect of play areas.

The Report recommended that the Committee note the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Play Areas Working Group consider sources of funding in terms of play areas including the Council Play Areas being designated as Non-Council Play Areas in order to attract funding from outside agencies.

It was further agreed to recommend that the Play Areas Working Group should submit a Report on this matter to the next Meeting of the Arts and Leisure Committee.

LIBRARIES

Stornoway New Library

L10.146

80*

With reference to item 36 of the Minute of Meeting 24 March 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the design proposals for a new library at 19 Cromwell Street, Stornoway and sought approval of the design. The Report detailed the existing building constraints and proposed alterations which would be necessary to meet the Comhairle's aspirations for this project.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to:

(1) proceed with the proposals for design for the new library; and

(2) progress this project to tender stage and issue tender documents.

Sir E Scott: Additional Library Opening Hours for School Use

E02.37

81

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning additional opening hours for Sir E Scott School Community Library in line with other six year schools and to identify and approve appropriate funding arrangements to facilitate this improvement to service. The Report indicated that a request had been received from the Sir E Scott School Board to extend the Tarbert Library hours in line with provision at all other six year schools and presenting centres in the Na h-Eileanan an Iar area. The Report detailed the current position in terms of opening hours and indicated the requirements for Sir E Scott School, Tarbert to have extended library hours which would satisfy the demands of the School and maintain current community hours.

It was recommended in the Report that:

(1) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement extended opening hours for Sir E Scott School Community Library as follows

Monday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.

Tuesday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m.

Wednesday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m.

7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Thursday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m.

Friday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m.

Saturday 10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.;

(2) these additional hours be funded from savings accruing from the closure of Leverhulme Memorial School Secondary Department; and

(3) to maintain the current opening hours for the community, the existing post be increased to full-time; and a part-time post of Saturday library Assistant GS2 (2.5 hours per week be established).

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

Scottish Office Public Libraries Challenge Fund Bid: Gateway Project

AL08

82

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a successful bid to the Scottish Office Public Libraries Challenge Fund. The Report indicated that the Library Service under the working title of Gateway Project had made a successful bid to the Scottish Office Public Libraries Challenge Fund for a grant of £27,000 towards the provision of internet and CD-ROM facilities in all its public libraries indicating what this would mean in terms of facilities within the public libraries in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to note the Report.

"New Library: The People's Network: The Government's Response"

AL08

83

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Government's response to the Library and Information Commission Report on steps needed for libraries to respond positively to development of new information and communication technology. The Report identified six key benefits for individuals and communities and detailed the terms of reference for the Implementation Committee which were set out in the Report by the Library and Information Commission.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the content of New Library: the Peoples Network: The Government's Response" be noted; and

(2) information and communications technology developments in the library are supported in principle.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Bostadh Iron Age House Reconstruction

AL09.01.15

84

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Bernera Historical Society towards the cost of developing a reconstructed iron age house at Bostadh, Great Bernera. The Report identified potential sources of funding for this application.

It was agreed to recommend that the Chief Executive be authorised to:

(1) approve a financial contribution of £10,000 as a reallocation from the sum of £30,000 held against the Bernera Community Centre Enlargement Project, which was an approved Project in the Comhairle's 1998/99 Capital Programme, due to slippage expected on that project;

(2) congratulate the Bernera Historical Society on their achievement in bringing this project forward; and

(3) the Committee note that further assistance in the sum of £6,000 would be given to this project through the Community Employment Programme.

RELATED MATTERS

Opening Ceremony for Running Track and Changing Facilities at Smith Avenue: 20 June 1998

AL06.01.61

85*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning arrangements for the opening ceremony for the running track and changing facilities at Smith Avenue, Stornoway. The Report indicated that the running track and changing facilities were due to be formally opened on 20 June 1998 in association with arrangements for a Community Games Competition to celebrate the event.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to:

(1) arrange the formal opening of the facilities on 20 June 1998; and

(2) arrange for a programme for the day to be issued to members in due course.

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 Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need to progress the opening prior to the next scheduled Meeting of the Comhairle on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.

Feis Alba 1999 and 2000

AL05.03.50

86

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Feisean na Gaidheal seeking support for a proposed Feis Alba event in the Western Isles in 1999 or 2000.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to:

(1) inform Feisean nan Gaidheal that the Comhairle agreed to support the Feis Alba event being held in the Western Isles; and

(2) indicate to Feisean nan Gaidheal that the preferred option would be the year 2000 which had already been designated as the Comhairle Year of Gaelic.

Arising out of consideration of the above matter the Director of Corporate Services informed the Committee of a Seminar on the Social Impact of the Feisean which was to take place in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness on Saturday 20 June 1998.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle be represented at the Northern Lights Seminar by Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, Member for the Port of Ness Ward.

The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with provision of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers as the Seminar would take place before the next scheduled Meeting of the Comhairle and on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.

The Buchan Lecture: Western Isles

AL04.01.02

87*

With reference to item 83 of the Minute of Meeting 19 August 1997 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing the Committee that the Buchan Lecture had been awarded to the Western Isles for March 1999 and indicated that Dr Colleen Batey of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum would give the lecture in Stornoway in mid March 1999 on the subject of The Viking Route Westwards from Norway to Newfoundland.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the content of the Report be noted; and

(2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to express the Comhairle's thanks to the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Aberdeen for its help in promoting the Stornoway venue for the lecture.

Action Outstanding: Progress Report

PR33.10.12

88

With reference to item 35 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Macdonald	Mr Alasdair Nicholson
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Donald Murray
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr George Lonie
	Mr Angus M Graham	Mr Callum I Macmillan

APOLOGIES	Mrs Mary Bremner

		LIBRARIES
Stornoway New Library L10.146	80*	With reference to item 36 of the Minute of Meeting 24 March 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the design proposals for a new library at 19 Cromwell Street, Stornoway and sought approval of the design. The Report detailed the existing building constraints and proposed alterations which would be necessary to meet the Comhairle's aspirations for this project. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to: (1) proceed with the proposals for design for the new library; and (2) progress this project to tender stage and issue tender documents.
Sir E Scott: Additional Library Opening Hours for School Use E02.37	81	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning additional opening hours for Sir E Scott School Community Library in line with other six year schools and to identify and approve appropriate funding arrangements to facilitate this improvement to service. The Report indicated that a request had been received from the Sir E Scott School Board to extend the Tarbert Library hours in line with provision at all other six year schools and presenting centres in the Na h-Eileanan an Iar area. The Report detailed the current position in terms of opening hours and indicated the requirements for Sir E Scott School, Tarbert to have extended library hours which would satisfy the demands of the School and maintain current community hours.
		It was recommended in the Report that: (1) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement extended opening hours for Sir E Scott School Community Library as follows Monday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. Tuesday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. Wednesday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Thursday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. Friday 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. Saturday 10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.; (2) these additional hours be funded from savings accruing from the closure of Leverhulme Memorial School Secondary Department; and (3) to maintain the current opening hours for the community, the existing post be increased to full-time; and a part-time post of Saturday library Assistant GS2 (2.5 hours per week be established). It was agreed to note the Report, for the Committee's interest.
Scottish Office Public Libraries Challenge Fund Bid: Gateway Project AL08	82	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a successful bid to the Scottish Office Public Libraries Challenge Fund. The Report indicated that the Library Service under the working title of Gateway Project had made a successful bid to the Scottish Office Public Libraries Challenge Fund for a grant of £27,000 towards the provision of internet and CD-ROM facilities in all its public libraries indicating what this would mean in terms of facilities within the public libraries in the Western Isles. It was agreed to note the Report.
"New Library: The People's Network: The Government's Response" AL08	83	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Government's response to the Library and Information Commission Report on steps needed for libraries to respond positively to development of new information and communication technology. The Report identified six key benefits for individuals and communities and detailed the terms of reference for the Implementation Committee which were set out in the Report by the Library and Information Commission. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the content of New Library: the Peoples Network: The Government's Response" be noted; and (2) information and communications technology developments in the library are supported in principle.
		ARCHAEOLOGY
Bostadh Iron Age House Reconstruction AL09.01.15	84	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Bernera Historical Society towards the cost of developing a reconstructed iron age house at Bostadh, Great Bernera. The Report identified potential sources of funding for this application. It was agreed to recommend that the Chief Executive be authorised to: (1) approve a financial contribution of £10,000 as a reallocation from the sum of £30,000 held against the Bernera Community Centre Enlargement Project, which was an approved Project in the Comhairle's 1998/99 Capital Programme, due to slippage expected on that project;
		(2) congratulate the Bernera Historical Society on their achievement in bringing this project forward; and (3) the Committee note that further assistance in the sum of £6,000 would be given to this project through the Community Employment Programme.
		RELATED MATTERS
Opening Ceremony for Running Track and Changing Facilities at Smith Avenue: 20 June 1998 AL06.01.61	85*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning arrangements for the opening ceremony for the running track and changing facilities at Smith Avenue, Stornoway. The Report indicated that the running track and changing facilities were due to be formally opened on 20 June 1998 in association with arrangements for a Community Games Competition to celebrate the event. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to: (1) arrange the formal opening of the facilities on 20 June 1998; and (2) arrange for a programme for the day to be issued to members in due course. 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 Comhairle under delegated powers in light of the need to progress the opening prior to the next scheduled Meeting of the Comhairle on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.
Feis Alba 1999 and 2000 AL05.03.50	86	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Feisean na Gaidheal seeking support for a proposed Feis Alba event in the Western Isles in 1999 or 2000. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to: (1) inform Feisean nan Gaidheal that the Comhairle agreed to support the Feis Alba event being held in the Western Isles; and (2) indicate to Feisean nan Gaidheal that the preferred option would be the year 2000 which had already been designated as the Comhairle Year of Gaelic. Arising out of consideration of the above matter the Director of Corporate Services informed the Committee of a Seminar on the Social Impact of the Feisean which was to take place in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness on Saturday 20 June 1998. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle be represented at the Northern Lights Seminar by Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, Member for the Port of Ness Ward. The Committee unanimously agreed in accordance with provision of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration that the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers as the Seminar would take place before the next scheduled Meeting of the Comhairle and on the basis that this recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.
The Buchan Lecture: Western Isles AL04.01.02	87*	With reference to item 83 of the Minute of Meeting 19 August 1997 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report informing the Committee that the Buchan Lecture had been awarded to the Western Isles for March 1999 and indicated that Dr Colleen Batey of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum would give the lecture in Stornoway in mid March 1999 on the subject of The Viking Route Westwards from Norway to Newfoundland. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the content of the Report be noted; and (2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to express the Comhairle's thanks to the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Aberdeen for its help in promoting the Stornoway venue for the lecture.
Action Outstanding: Progress Report PR33.10.12	88	With reference to item 35 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.