Al9809

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 29 September 1998 at 9.00 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr George Lonie

Mrs Mary Bremner

APOLOGIES

Mrs Christina McNeill

Welcome: Mr Donald John Smith and Miss Emma Beaton

C01.04

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald John Smith and Miss Emma Beaton who had recently been appointed as Sports Development Officers and welcomed Mr Smith and Miss Beaton to their first Meeting of the Committee.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13

111

The Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 was approved.

Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee

AL01.02

112*

The Minute of Meeting of the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee of 10 September 1998 was submitted.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendation in item 5 of the Minute.

BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress PR03.02.01

113

With reference to item 92 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 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.

Daliburgh Pool Replacement PIR

AL02.05.02

114*

With reference to item 59 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a PIR concerning the re-building of Daliburgh swimming pool, to include a library and croileagan facilities and indicating the total costs of the renovation being £930,000.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to include the Daliburgh Pool Replacement Project in items being considered within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for 2000/2001.

Valtos Outdoor Centre: Update AL02.02

115*

With reference to item 94 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Valtos Outdoor Centre, Uig.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make arrangements for the next Meeting of the Valtos Member/Officer Working Group to meet in Valtos as soon as possible and that a Report be brought to the next Meeting of the Committee which would look at alternative sources of funding for the Valtos Centre Improvement.

An Caisteal Cultural and Heritage Trust: Update

E02.20.08

116*

With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1998, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the establishment of An Caisteal Cultural and Heritage Trust and indicating that the first two Directors of the Trust would be the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee. The Report recommended that the Comhairle agree to invite the Stornoway Trust and the Local Enterprise Company together with any outside bodies that Members feel would be appropriate to join the company and that a Meeting be arranged with these outside bodies to discuss an appropriate way forward for the company.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to invite the Stornoway Trust, the local Enterprise Agency, Historic Scotland and the Lews Castle College to join the Caisteal Cultural and Heritage Trust; and

(2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to arrange a Meeting with these outside organisations to discuss an appropriate way forward for the Company.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Barvas Community Association AL03.01.03

117*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Barvas Community Association towards the costs of a new community centre at Barvas.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for 2000/2001.

Carinish and District Village Hall

AL03.01.31

118*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a grant application from Carinish and District Village Hall Committee towards the costs of upgrading and extending the village hall. The total project costs are approximately £300,000 and a grant of £50,000 was sought from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for 2000/2001.

Lochmaddy and Trumisgarry Social Welfare Committee

AL03.01.29

119*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a grant application from the Lochmaddy and Trumisgarry Social Welfare Committee towards the cost of building a new hall at a total cost of £389,759 and a grant of £60,000 was sought from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme in 2000/2001.

St Barr's Hall, Northbay, Isle of Barra AL07.01.14

120*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the St Barr's Hall Committee towards the costs of refurbishing St Barr's Hall and building a new public toilet facility at the Hall and seeking a grant of £42,000 from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for financial year 2000/2001.

Whalebone Arch, Bragar AL05.06

121

The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.

Voluntary Sector PIR's for 2000/2001

PR90.28

122*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the potential costs to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar of external organisations securing matching funding for Capital Projects in 2000/2001. The Report indicated that voluntary organisations within the Western Isles had made applications for financial assistance which, if successful, would generate £2,937,759 of building work of which the Comhairle's contribution could be estimated at £481,000, and included a list of criteria as a mechanism for the Comhairle to prioritise the projects in the event of only limited funds being available.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to convene a special meeting of the Arts and Leisure Committee at an appropriate time with representatives from voluntary organisation applicants as a pre-cursor to reaching decisions on Capital Projects in financial year 2000/2001; and

(2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the list of criteria as contained in appendix 1 of this Minute as the basis for prioritisation of Comhairle Capital Expenditure Support to voluntary organisations.

SPORTS

Establishment of Sports Council in the Western Isles

AL06.01.58

123*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the establishment of Sports Councils in the Western Isles to assist the Comhairle in developing a strategic approach to sport and recreation within the authority's area.

It was agreed to recommend;

(1) approval of the draft Constitution for the Sports Councils;

(2) approval of the establishments of Sports Councils in

(i) Lewis and Harris;

(ii) Uist and Barra;

(3) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to provide a grant of £5,000 to each Sports Council for the first year of operation subject to form of constitution and the submission of audited accounts; and

(4) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to submit an application to Western Isles Enterprise for partnership funding to support the Sports Councils.

Sports Development Funding: Allocation of 1998/99

Underspend AL06.01.58

124*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the allocation of sports development funding carried forward to the 1998/99 financial year and indicated that an underspend of £42,000 would be allocated as follows;

Sports Council Funding £10,000

Sports Development Officer, Development Funds £10,000

Sports Equipment £4,000

Sports Development Grants £10,000

Arts Development (income shortfall) £5,000

Archaeologist (income shortfall) £3,000

Total £42,000

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the allocation of funding as detailed in the Report.

Point Recreation: All Weather Facility PIR

AL02.10

125*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Point recreation towards the costs of an All Weather facility in Point.

It was agreed to recommend that a Project Initiation Report for an All Weather Facility at Point be included in the projects for consideration within the Capital Programme for 2000/2001.

RELATED MATTERS

Themed Years: A Review PR13.09.11

126*

With reference to item 104 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Chief Executive and Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Joint Report concerning the current programme of themed years and indicating that an appraisal of the approach to themed years should be undertaken and that such an appraisal be carried out in the context of the outcome of the Cultural Tourism Seminar to be held in December 1998.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) the programme of Thematic Years be the subject of appraisal to be carried out in the context of the outcome of the Cultural Tourism Seminar; and

(2) the Year of Norse 1999 be postponed to await the outcome of such an appraisal and that the Year of Gaelic be altered from 2000 to 2001.

Mod nan Eilean Siar 2001

PR13.07.29

127*

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a bid to attract the Royal National Mod 2001 to the Western Isles. The Report indicated that a joint bid between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and An Comunn Gàidhealach Leodhais to attract the 2001 Royal National Mod to the Western Isles had been successful. The Report detailed the financial package which had been offered to An Comunn Gàidhealach to attract the Mod and the implications for the Comhairle associated with hosting the 2001 Royal National Mod in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) the Committee welcome the decision of An Comunn Gàidhealach to hold the 2001 Royal National Mod in the Western Isles;

(2) the financial implications of the bid in so far as the Comhairle is concerned be noted and the actions of the Chief Executive in making the bid be homologated; and

(3) the Chief Executive be authorised to alter the designation Year of Gaelic from 2000 to 2001, in view of the 2001 Royal National Mod being held in the Western Isles.

Information on Millennium Proposals Received by the Millennium Commission at 3 September 1998

PR61.01

128*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the range of proposals which had been formally received by the Millennium Commission from groups in the Western Isles. The Director further intimated that the Western Isles Millennium Committee had submitted a proposal requesting that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar act as a lead agency for the Millennium Trail application.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services be noted; and

(2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to accept the proposal from the Western Isles Millennium Committee, that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar act as lead agency for the Millennium Trail application.

The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine recommendation 128 (b) on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to allow action to be taken before the next Meeting of the Comhairle on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Action Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

129

With reference to item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from the decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

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APPENDIX 1

CRITERIA FOR PRIORITISATION OF COMHAIRLE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE SUPPORT

Projects must have secured external funding from appropriate bodies.

General

Projects which relate to the Comhairle's key tasks will be given very high rating.

Projects within the "On the Edge Initiative" designated areas will be given a very high rating.

Projects within areas which are without facilities should be given a very high rating.

Projects within areas which lack a range of facilities will be given a high rating.

Projects in which would involve a multi-purpose usage will be given a high rating.

Projects which relate to Comhairle buildings or facilities will be given a medium rating.

Projects which include limited community involvement will be given a medium rating.

Projects which fall outwith the criteria identified above will be accorded a low rating.

Projects may of course, meet a number of the criteria and will be accorded appropriate recognition in prioritisation.

PRESENT	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Macdonald
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Callum I Macmillan
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Donald Murray	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr George Lonie	Mrs Mary Bremner

APOLOGIES	Mrs Christina McNeill

Welcome: Mr Donald John Smith and Miss Emma Beaton C01.04		The Chairman referred to Mr Donald John Smith and Miss Emma Beaton who had recently been appointed as Sports Development Officers and welcomed Mr Smith and Miss Beaton to their first Meeting of the Committee.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13	111	The Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 was approved.
Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee AL01.02	112*	The Minute of Meeting of the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee of 10 September 1998 was submitted. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendation in item 5 of the Minute.
		BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress PR03.02.01	113	With reference to item 92 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 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.
Daliburgh Pool Replacement PIR AL02.05.02	114*	With reference to item 59 of the Minute of Meeting of 9 June 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a PIR concerning the re-building of Daliburgh swimming pool, to include a library and croileagan facilities and indicating the total costs of the renovation being £930,000. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to include the Daliburgh Pool Replacement Project in items being considered within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for 2000/2001.
Valtos Outdoor Centre: Update AL02.02	115*	With reference to item 94 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the Valtos Outdoor Centre, Uig. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make arrangements for the next Meeting of the Valtos Member/Officer Working Group to meet in Valtos as soon as possible and that a Report be brought to the next Meeting of the Committee which would look at alternative sources of funding for the Valtos Centre Improvement.
An Caisteal Cultural and Heritage Trust: Update E02.20.08	116*	With reference to item 9 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1998, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the establishment of An Caisteal Cultural and Heritage Trust and indicating that the first two Directors of the Trust would be the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Arts and Leisure Committee. The Report recommended that the Comhairle agree to invite the Stornoway Trust and the Local Enterprise Company together with any outside bodies that Members feel would be appropriate to join the company and that a Meeting be arranged with these outside bodies to discuss an appropriate way forward for the company. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to invite the Stornoway Trust, the local Enterprise Agency, Historic Scotland and the Lews Castle College to join the Caisteal Cultural and Heritage Trust; and (2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to arrange a Meeting with these outside organisations to discuss an appropriate way forward for the Company.
		FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Barvas Community Association AL03.01.03	117*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Barvas Community Association towards the costs of a new community centre at Barvas. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for 2000/2001.
Carinish and District Village Hall AL03.01.31	118*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a grant application from Carinish and District Village Hall Committee towards the costs of upgrading and extending the village hall. The total project costs are approximately £300,000 and a grant of £50,000 was sought from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for 2000/2001.
Lochmaddy and Trumisgarry Social Welfare Committee AL03.01.29	119*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a grant application from the Lochmaddy and Trumisgarry Social Welfare Committee towards the cost of building a new hall at a total cost of £389,759 and a grant of £60,000 was sought from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme in 2000/2001.
St Barr's Hall, Northbay, Isle of Barra AL07.01.14	120*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from the St Barr's Hall Committee towards the costs of refurbishing St Barr's Hall and building a new public toilet facility at the Hall and seeking a grant of £42,000 from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to prepare a Project Initiation Report for inclusion as a possible project for consideration within the context of the preparation of the Capital Works Programme for financial year 2000/2001.
Whalebone Arch, Bragar AL05.06	121	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Voluntary Sector PIR's for 2000/2001 PR90.28	122*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the potential costs to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar of external organisations securing matching funding for Capital Projects in 2000/2001. The Report indicated that voluntary organisations within the Western Isles had made applications for financial assistance which, if successful, would generate £2,937,759 of building work of which the Comhairle's contribution could be estimated at £481,000, and included a list of criteria as a mechanism for the Comhairle to prioritise the projects in the event of only limited funds being available. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to convene a special meeting of the Arts and Leisure Committee at an appropriate time with representatives from voluntary organisation applicants as a pre-cursor to reaching decisions on Capital Projects in financial year 2000/2001; and (2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the list of criteria as contained in appendix 1 of this Minute as the basis for prioritisation of Comhairle Capital Expenditure Support to voluntary organisations.
		SPORTS
Establishment of Sports Council in the Western Isles AL06.01.58	123*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the establishment of Sports Councils in the Western Isles to assist the Comhairle in developing a strategic approach to sport and recreation within the authority's area. It was agreed to recommend; (1) approval of the draft Constitution for the Sports Councils; (2) approval of the establishments of Sports Councils in (i) Lewis and Harris; (ii) Uist and Barra; (3) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to provide a grant of £5,000 to each Sports Council for the first year of operation subject to form of constitution and the submission of audited accounts; and
		(4) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to submit an application to Western Isles Enterprise for partnership funding to support the Sports Councils.
Sports Development Funding: Allocation of 1998/99 Underspend AL06.01.58	124*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the allocation of sports development funding carried forward to the 1998/99 financial year and indicated that an underspend of £42,000 would be allocated as follows; Sports Council Funding £10,000 Sports Development Officer, Development Funds £10,000 Sports Equipment £4,000 Sports Development Grants £10,000 Arts Development (income shortfall) £5,000 Archaeologist (income shortfall) £3,000 Total £42,000 It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the allocation of funding as detailed in the Report.
Point Recreation: All Weather Facility PIR AL02.10	125*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application for financial assistance from Point recreation towards the costs of an All Weather facility in Point. It was agreed to recommend that a Project Initiation Report for an All Weather Facility at Point be included in the projects for consideration within the Capital Programme for 2000/2001.
		RELATED MATTERS
Themed Years: A Review PR13.09.11	126*	With reference to item 104 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Chief Executive and Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Joint Report concerning the current programme of themed years and indicating that an appraisal of the approach to themed years should be undertaken and that such an appraisal be carried out in the context of the outcome of the Cultural Tourism Seminar to be held in December 1998. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) the programme of Thematic Years be the subject of appraisal to be carried out in the context of the outcome of the Cultural Tourism Seminar; and (2) the Year of Norse 1999 be postponed to await the outcome of such an appraisal and that the Year of Gaelic be altered from 2000 to 2001.
Mod nan Eilean Siar 2001 PR13.07.29	127*	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning a bid to attract the Royal National Mod 2001 to the Western Isles. The Report indicated that a joint bid between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and An Comunn Gàidhealach Leodhais to attract the 2001 Royal National Mod to the Western Isles had been successful. The Report detailed the financial package which had been offered to An Comunn Gàidhealach to attract the Mod and the implications for the Comhairle associated with hosting the 2001 Royal National Mod in the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) the Committee welcome the decision of An Comunn Gàidhealach to hold the 2001 Royal National Mod in the Western Isles;
		(2) the financial implications of the bid in so far as the Comhairle is concerned be noted and the actions of the Chief Executive in making the bid be homologated; and (3) the Chief Executive be authorised to alter the designation Year of Gaelic from 2000 to 2001, in view of the 2001 Royal National Mod being held in the Western Isles.
Information on Millennium Proposals Received by the Millennium Commission at 3 September 1998 PR61.01	128*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report detailing the range of proposals which had been formally received by the Millennium Commission from groups in the Western Isles. The Director further intimated that the Western Isles Millennium Committee had submitted a proposal requesting that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar act as a lead agency for the Millennium Trail application. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services be noted; and (2) the Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to accept the proposal from the Western Isles Millennium Committee, that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar act as lead agency for the Millennium Trail application. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine recommendation 128 (b) on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the need to allow action to be taken before the next Meeting of the Comhairle on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy decision of the Comhairle.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Action Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	129	With reference to item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from the decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.
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