MAL9908

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 17 August 1999 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr George Lonie

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Alexander A MacDonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Summer Events C01.04

The Chairman referred to the various events which were held in the Western Isles over the summer months and extended congratulations to all those who were involved in the organisation of these events.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13

88

The Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 was approved.

Valtos Member/Officer Working Group AL01.07

89

The Minute of Meeting of the Valtos Member/Officer Working Group of 7 June 1999 was approved.

FINANCE

First Quarter Revenue Out-Turn 1999/2000

AL03.03.01

90

With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the First Quarter Revenue Outturn for 1999/2000 for the Arts and Leisure Committee. The Report detailed areas of revenue expenditure incurred in relation to the Arts and Leisure budget for the period to 30 June 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April - 30 June 1999 PR110.05

91*

With reference to item 54 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the progress in the 1999/2000 Capital Programme indicating that in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme an additional £25,000 capital from current revenue from balances had been granted to fund additional costs for Leurbost Community Hall.

It was agreed to recommend, as far as the Committee's interest was concerned, that:

(1) the Director of Finance be authorised to implement the 1999/2000 Forecast Outturn as the revised approved programme; and

(2) the South Uist Care Development be incorporated into the Programme and be funded from £50,000 of existing resources within the Capital Programme

Budget Strategy 2000-2003 PR110.03.24

92

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

The Future Capital Programme

AL03.02

93*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report setting out proposals for the future capital planning process. The methods used to determine the Capital Programmes for 1999/2000 was outlined in the Report, together with a review of the process. The methods used by a number of authorities to determine their Capital Programmes were set out. Projected capital resources for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 were appended to the Report. Proposals for managing the Capital Programme and its projects and for allocating resources through a combined core funding and bidding process, including a suggested policy framework, were outlined in the Report, together with a proposed timetable for determining the Capital Programme 2000-2003.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a Seminar be held for Members of the Comhairle to discuss the proposals set out in the Report regarding future capital planning, with the Report by the Director of Finance to form the basis of discussion at the Seminar;

(2) a further Report on future capital planning be submitted to take account of the views expressed at the Seminar; and

(3) Members of the Comhairle be surveyed in January or February 2000 as to the success or otherwise of the process of setting the capital programme.

BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress PR03.02.01

94

With reference to item 58 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted the Programme and Progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1999/2000: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 1999 AL03.03.02

95

With reference to item 57 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Arts and Leisure account for the period to 30 June 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Bayhead Footbridge

T01.15

96*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed scheme to replace the footbridge over the Bayhead River near the Bridge Centre, Stornoway. The Report indicated that the current bridge was unsatisfactory and would be replaced with a two metre wide pre-fabricated hardwood timber bridge of which detailed drawings were displayed at the Meeting. The Report noted that the work would be financed under the Ward Initiative Scheme.

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

(1) implement the proposal for the Bayhead River Footbridge as shown on drawing number 2H (6A22) 4 on display; and

(2) instruct the area contractor to carry out the works utilising a pre-fabricated hardwood timber footbridge subject to obtaining listed building consent.

Lews Castle: Options Appraisal E02.28.20

97

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to finance an Option Appraisal on the re-development of Lews Castle. The Report indicated that a company limited by guarantee had been established to consider the future use of the Lews Castle, however, other potential partners had, up to now, failed to accept an invitation to be represented on the company subject to an Option Appraisal being undertaken. The Report recommended that:

(a) consultants be appointed to undertake an initial audit and outline Option Appraisal of Lews Castle as a pre-cursor to partner organisations involvement with the company limited by guarantee; and

(b) that an upper limit of £6,000 be utilised from the Capital Programme 1999/2000.

It was agreed that consideration of the Report be deferred and that the Director of Technical Services submit a Report collating all the materials and proposals that the Department currently held in relation to the future development of Lews Castle and that a public meeting be held in Stornoway Town Hall to assess public feeling in relation to future use of the Lews Castle.

Valtos Outdoor Centre: Proposals for Development AL02.02

98*

With reference to item 59 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report in relation to progress on the formation of a company limited by guarantee to operate the Valtos Outdoor Centre. The Report detailed the background to the proposal to form a company limited by guarantee as being the most effective method of attracting funding for the project and for the future development of the centre. The Report further indicated that following specialist financial advise there were indications that a trading subsidiary company might be the most effective way of operating the Centre on a similar basis to the Visitor Centre at Callanish. The Report recommended that:

(a) the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Finance be authorised to establish a company limited by guarantee and if appropriate a trading subsidiary company to operate the Valtos Outdoor Centre;

(b) the Bhaltos Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage be invited to become members of the company or companies and each be asked to nominate two Directors of the company or companies;

(c) two members be appointed as Directors of the company or companies and;

(d) that names for the two companies be proposed.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Finance be authorised to establish a company limited by guarantee and if appropriate a trading subsidiary company to operate the Valtos Outdoor Centre;

(2) the Bhaltos Trust be invited to become a member of the company or companies and be asked to nominate four Directors of the company or companies;

(3) Scottish Natural Heritage be invited to become members of the company or companies and be asked to nominate two Directors of the company or companies;

(4) the local Member and the Chairman of Education be appointed as the Comhairle's representatives on the company or companies; and

(5) the company be known as Urras Ionad Bhaltois.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Feisean nan Gaidheal

AL05.03.50

99*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Feisean nan Gaidheal towards the funding of a part-time development worker in the Western Isles. The Report indicated that Feisean nan Gaidheal proposed to establish four regional workers at 0.6 FTE. One would be based in the Western Isles, two in the Highlands area and one to cover Argyll and the cities, and seeking funding from the Comhairle of £3,000 per annum or £3,000 for year one with the option of renegotiating similar sums in respect of years two and three.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant of £3,000 to Feisean nan Gaidheal in year one and that future application be made for further years funding which would be considered by the Comhairle at the appropriate time; and

(2) £1,500 be allocated from the Youth Budget and £1,500 from the Arts Budget.

Ravenspoint Slipway Project

AL11.01

100

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

Barra Golf Club

AL11.01

101*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Barra Golf Club towards the construction of a Club House on machair land in the township of Cleat, seeking funding of £10,000 from the Comhairle towards the cost of the project.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award in principle a grant of up to £10,000 to Barra Golf Club from the Capital Programme for Voluntary Organisations 1999/2000 subject to a full Project Initiation Report being submitted in conjunction with evidence of matching funding and all necessary statutory and formal approvals being obtained.

Road Safety - Bus Turning Area at Ness Hall

AL11.01

102*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Iomairt Nis towards the costs of a bus turning area at Ness Hall which had been referred to the Arts and Leisure Committee from the Transportation Sub-Committee of 24 March 1999.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services prepare a Project Initiation Report on the bus turning area at Ness Hall to be submitted to the next Meeting of the Transportation Committee.

THE ARTS

Arts and Leisure: Arts Strategy Document

AL05.08

103*

With reference to item 82 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted the Arts Strategy Document which outlined the result of extensive consultation with arts organisations in the Western Isles in relation to priorities and key tasks for implementation.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the priorities and key tasks identified in the Arts and Cultural Strategy within the budgetary constraints of the Comhairle.

CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS

Gall-Gaidheal: The Western Isles in the Viking World, Exhibition and Conference

PR13.09.11

104*

With reference to item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to host a major exhibition and conference in the Western Isles on the Viking Age. The Report indicated that the Conference was proposed to be held between 4 - 7 April 2000 and that the exhibition would be formally opened on 4 April 2000 and would run until the end of October 2000, indicating that sponsorship was being sought and that any significant variations in projected expenditure would be timeously reported to Committee.

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

(1) be authorised to mount a major exhibition and host an international conference on the Vikings in the Western Isles between 4 - 7 April 2000;

(2) prepare for these events within the context of the financial implications detailed in the Report;

(3) the Council Chamber and Social areas be used for the Conference, a formal opening ceremony for the exhibition and reception for conference delegates be met from the Comhairle's hospitality budget; and

(4) in the context of the determination of the 2000/2001 revenue estimates consideration be given to the allocation of a sum of £2.5k to guarantee loss in the event of an income shortfall in relation to the conference.

SPORTS

Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre: 25th Anniversary

AL06.01.40

105*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to hold celebratory events to mark the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. The Report intimated that the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre was opened on 26 October 1974, indicating that the cost of the celebratory events would not exceed £1,000 which would be met from within existing departmental budgets.

It was agreed to recommend that a 25th Anniversary celebration programme be held on Saturday 23 October 1999 with all costs incurred being met from within existing Sports Facilities Budget.

RELATED MATTERS

21st Century Halls Applications

AL03.01

106*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the outcome of applications from Western Isles organisations to 21st Century Halls for financial assistance. The Report indicated that nationally 91 applications for funding were received by the 21st Century Halls and only 19 applicants were successful. The Report recommended that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to write to SCVO expressing the disquiet of the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee over raising of local expectations by 21st Century Halls and highlighting the difficulties caused in local communities by funding decisions.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Service be authorised to seek a meeting with representatives from SCVO, the Lottery Board and the Millennium Commission to highlight concerns in relation to the funding decisions made under the 21st Century Halls.

Scottish Television: Year of Promise

PR14

107*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a promise campaign for the millennium promoted by ITV. The Report indicated that individuals and families taking part in the campaign would have the opportunity of inscribing their names and promises displayed in one of the high profile promise sites throughout the UK which would remain open to the public for the next fifty years. The Report sought approval for officer involvement in the promise campaign.

It was agreed to recommend that officer involvement in the ITV Year of Promise Campaign and in the creation of a millennium promise trail throughout the Western Isles be approved.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that a Report on the millennium events be circulated to Members as soon as possible and a further Report on progress be submitted to the next Meeting of the Committee.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Arts and Leisure Committee Key Tasks

PR33.01.12

108*

With reference to item 86 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services and Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report appending a list of key tasks for the Arts and Leisure Committee for the period 1999/2002.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the list of key tasks which form appendix 1 to this Minute.

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

109

With reference to item 87 of the Minute of Meeting 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from the decisions of the Committee since March 1998.

It was agreed to note the Report.

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following Item be considered as a matter of urgency to enable the Committee to express a view on the matter prior to the next Meeting of the Comhairle.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item under the terms of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle) would be disclosed.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

New Stornoway Arts Centre Funding

AL02.11

110*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Finance submitted a Joint Report regarding a shortfall in funding identified in respect of the new Stornoway Arts Centre Project. Details of the funding secured, together with the revised costs and funding gap identified, were set out in the Report. It was proposed that the Comhairle assist the Project through the reinstatement of the contingency of £200,000 which the project developers, An Lanntair, had proposed to delete.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle agree to reinstate the capital contingency contained in the new Stornoway Arts Centre to the value of £50,000 in 2000/2001 and £150,000 in 2001/2002 subject to conditions to be determined by the Director of Technical Services and Director of Finance in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services; and

(2) An Lanntair be required to give a quarterly report to the Director of Technical Services and Director of Finance who would report on any actual calls on the capital programme.

___

Appendix 1

ARTS AND LEISURE

KEY TASKS

u In consultation with the local Sports Councils, and other appropriate agencies, produce a Sports Strategy for the Western Isles

u Identify and develop 2 football fields in the Western Isles

u Support the continued development of the Comuinn Eachdraidh with the support of the Museum Service

u Extend and refurbish the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre

u Support the Harris Sports and Leisure Centre Committee in seeking to provide a Sports and Leisure Centre in Harris

u Formulate proposals for future use of Stornoway Town Hall and in conjunction with other agencies secure funding package for development

u In conjunction with the Bhaltos Trust and other agencies secure a funding package to extend and refurbish the Valtos Outdoor Centre

u Implement the tasks identified within the Arts Strategy

u Produce an Integrated Strategy for Community Development to ensure provision of community development support in all areas in the Western Isles

u In conjunction with voluntary and statutory partners, develop a Community Learning Strategy.

u In consultation with the Youth Committee renovate and refurbish the new Pointers facility to provide an enhanced service

PRESENT	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)	Mr George Lonie
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Philip R McLean
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Alexander A MacDonald	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Donald Manford

Tribute: Summer Events C01.04		The Chairman referred to the various events which were held in the Western Isles over the summer months and extended congratulations to all those who were involved in the organisation of these events.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13	88	The Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 was approved.
Valtos Member/Officer Working Group AL01.07	89	The Minute of Meeting of the Valtos Member/Officer Working Group of 7 June 1999 was approved.
		FINANCE
First Quarter Revenue Out-Turn 1999/2000 AL03.03.01	90	With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the First Quarter Revenue Outturn for 1999/2000 for the Arts and Leisure Committee. The Report detailed areas of revenue expenditure incurred in relation to the Arts and Leisure budget for the period to 30 June 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April - 30 June 1999 PR110.05	91*	With reference to item 54 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the progress in the 1999/2000 Capital Programme indicating that in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme an additional £25,000 capital from current revenue from balances had been granted to fund additional costs for Leurbost Community Hall.
		It was agreed to recommend, as far as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: (1) the Director of Finance be authorised to implement the 1999/2000 Forecast Outturn as the revised approved programme; and (2) the South Uist Care Development be incorporated into the Programme and be funded from £50,000 of existing resources within the Capital Programme
Budget Strategy 2000-2003 PR110.03.24	92	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
The Future Capital Programme AL03.02	93*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report setting out proposals for the future capital planning process. The methods used to determine the Capital Programmes for 1999/2000 was outlined in the Report, together with a review of the process. The methods used by a number of authorities to determine their Capital Programmes were set out. Projected capital resources for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 were appended to the Report. Proposals for managing the Capital Programme and its projects and for allocating resources through a combined core funding and bidding process, including a suggested policy framework, were outlined in the Report, together with a proposed timetable for determining the Capital Programme 2000-2003. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a Seminar be held for Members of the Comhairle to discuss the proposals set out in the Report regarding future capital planning, with the Report by the Director of Finance to form the basis of discussion at the Seminar; (2) a further Report on future capital planning be submitted to take account of the views expressed at the Seminar; and (3) Members of the Comhairle be surveyed in January or February 2000 as to the success or otherwise of the process of setting the capital programme.
		BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress PR03.02.01	94	With reference to item 58 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted the Programme and Progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme. It was agreed to note the Report.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1999/2000: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 1999 AL03.03.02	95	With reference to item 57 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Arts and Leisure account for the period to 30 June 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
Bayhead Footbridge T01.15	96*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed scheme to replace the footbridge over the Bayhead River near the Bridge Centre, Stornoway. The Report indicated that the current bridge was unsatisfactory and would be replaced with a two metre wide pre-fabricated hardwood timber bridge of which detailed drawings were displayed at the Meeting. The Report noted that the work would be financed under the Ward Initiative Scheme. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to: (1) implement the proposal for the Bayhead River Footbridge as shown on drawing number 2H (6A22) 4 on display; and (2) instruct the area contractor to carry out the works utilising a pre-fabricated hardwood timber footbridge subject to obtaining listed building consent.
Lews Castle: Options Appraisal E02.28.20	97	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to finance an Option Appraisal on the re-development of Lews Castle. The Report indicated that a company limited by guarantee had been established to consider the future use of the Lews Castle, however, other potential partners had, up to now, failed to accept an invitation to be represented on the company subject to an Option Appraisal being undertaken. The Report recommended that: (a) consultants be appointed to undertake an initial audit and outline Option Appraisal of Lews Castle as a pre-cursor to partner organisations involvement with the company limited by guarantee; and (b) that an upper limit of £6,000 be utilised from the Capital Programme 1999/2000. It was agreed that consideration of the Report be deferred and that the Director of Technical Services submit a Report collating all the materials and proposals that the Department currently held in relation to the future development of Lews Castle and that a public meeting be held in Stornoway Town Hall to assess public feeling in relation to future use of the Lews Castle.
Valtos Outdoor Centre: Proposals for Development AL02.02	98*	With reference to item 59 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report in relation to progress on the formation of a company limited by guarantee to operate the Valtos Outdoor Centre. The Report detailed the background to the proposal to form a company limited by guarantee as being the most effective method of attracting funding for the project and for the future development of the centre. The Report further indicated that following specialist financial advise there were indications that a trading subsidiary company might be the most effective way of operating the Centre on a similar basis to the Visitor Centre at Callanish. The Report recommended that: (a) the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Finance be authorised to establish a company limited by guarantee and if appropriate a trading subsidiary company to operate the Valtos Outdoor Centre; (b) the Bhaltos Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage be invited to become members of the company or companies and each be asked to nominate two Directors of the company or companies;
		(c) two members be appointed as Directors of the company or companies and; (d) that names for the two companies be proposed. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and Director of Finance be authorised to establish a company limited by guarantee and if appropriate a trading subsidiary company to operate the Valtos Outdoor Centre; (2) the Bhaltos Trust be invited to become a member of the company or companies and be asked to nominate four Directors of the company or companies; (3) Scottish Natural Heritage be invited to become members of the company or companies and be asked to nominate two Directors of the company or companies; (4) the local Member and the Chairman of Education be appointed as the Comhairle's representatives on the company or companies; and (5) the company be known as Urras Ionad Bhaltois.
		FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Feisean nan Gaidheal AL05.03.50	99*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Feisean nan Gaidheal towards the funding of a part-time development worker in the Western Isles. The Report indicated that Feisean nan Gaidheal proposed to establish four regional workers at 0.6 FTE. One would be based in the Western Isles, two in the Highlands area and one to cover Argyll and the cities, and seeking funding from the Comhairle of £3,000 per annum or £3,000 for year one with the option of renegotiating similar sums in respect of years two and three. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award a grant of £3,000 to Feisean nan Gaidheal in year one and that future application be made for further years funding which would be considered by the Comhairle at the appropriate time; and (2) £1,500 be allocated from the Youth Budget and £1,500 from the Arts Budget.
Ravenspoint Slipway Project AL11.01	100	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Barra Golf Club AL11.01	101*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Barra Golf Club towards the construction of a Club House on machair land in the township of Cleat, seeking funding of £10,000 from the Comhairle towards the cost of the project.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to award in principle a grant of up to £10,000 to Barra Golf Club from the Capital Programme for Voluntary Organisations 1999/2000 subject to a full Project Initiation Report being submitted in conjunction with evidence of matching funding and all necessary statutory and formal approvals being obtained.
Road Safety - Bus Turning Area at Ness Hall AL11.01	102*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a request for financial assistance from Iomairt Nis towards the costs of a bus turning area at Ness Hall which had been referred to the Arts and Leisure Committee from the Transportation Sub-Committee of 24 March 1999. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services prepare a Project Initiation Report on the bus turning area at Ness Hall to be submitted to the next Meeting of the Transportation Committee.
		THE ARTS
Arts and Leisure: Arts Strategy Document AL05.08	103*	With reference to item 82 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted the Arts Strategy Document which outlined the result of extensive consultation with arts organisations in the Western Isles in relation to priorities and key tasks for implementation. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to implement the priorities and key tasks identified in the Arts and Cultural Strategy within the budgetary constraints of the Comhairle.
		CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS
Gall-Gaidheal: The Western Isles in the Viking World, Exhibition and Conference PR13.09.11	104*	With reference to item 19 of the Minute of Meeting of 26 January 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to host a major exhibition and conference in the Western Isles on the Viking Age. The Report indicated that the Conference was proposed to be held between 4 - 7 April 2000 and that the exhibition would be formally opened on 4 April 2000 and would run until the end of October 2000, indicating that sponsorship was being sought and that any significant variations in projected expenditure would be timeously reported to Committee. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services: (1) be authorised to mount a major exhibition and host an international conference on the Vikings in the Western Isles between 4 - 7 April 2000; (2) prepare for these events within the context of the financial implications detailed in the Report; (3) the Council Chamber and Social areas be used for the Conference, a formal opening ceremony for the exhibition and reception for conference delegates be met from the Comhairle's hospitality budget; and (4) in the context of the determination of the 2000/2001 revenue estimates consideration be given to the allocation of a sum of £2.5k to guarantee loss in the event of an income shortfall in relation to the conference.
		SPORTS
Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre: 25th Anniversary AL06.01.40	105*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to hold celebratory events to mark the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre. The Report intimated that the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre was opened on 26 October 1974, indicating that the cost of the celebratory events would not exceed £1,000 which would be met from within existing departmental budgets. It was agreed to recommend that a 25th Anniversary celebration programme be held on Saturday 23 October 1999 with all costs incurred being met from within existing Sports Facilities Budget.
		RELATED MATTERS
21st Century Halls Applications AL03.01	106*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the outcome of applications from Western Isles organisations to 21st Century Halls for financial assistance. The Report indicated that nationally 91 applications for funding were received by the 21st Century Halls and only 19 applicants were successful. The Report recommended that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to write to SCVO expressing the disquiet of the Arts and Leisure Sub-Committee over raising of local expectations by 21st Century Halls and highlighting the difficulties caused in local communities by funding decisions. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Service be authorised to seek a meeting with representatives from SCVO, the Lottery Board and the Millennium Commission to highlight concerns in relation to the funding decisions made under the 21st Century Halls.
Scottish Television: Year of Promise PR14	107*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a promise campaign for the millennium promoted by ITV. The Report indicated that individuals and families taking part in the campaign would have the opportunity of inscribing their names and promises displayed in one of the high profile promise sites throughout the UK which would remain open to the public for the next fifty years. The Report sought approval for officer involvement in the promise campaign. It was agreed to recommend that officer involvement in the ITV Year of Promise Campaign and in the creation of a millennium promise trail throughout the Western Isles be approved. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that a Report on the millennium events be circulated to Members as soon as possible and a further Report on progress be submitted to the next Meeting of the Committee.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Arts and Leisure Committee Key Tasks PR33.01.12	108*	With reference to item 86 of the Minute of Meeting of 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services and Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a joint Report appending a list of key tasks for the Arts and Leisure Committee for the period 1999/2002. It was agreed to recommend approval of the list of key tasks which form appendix 1 to this Minute.
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	109	With reference to item 87 of the Minute of Meeting 15 June 1999 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing outstanding Reports arising from the decisions of the Committee since March 1998. It was agreed to note the Report.
		The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following Item be considered as a matter of urgency to enable the Committee to express a view on the matter prior to the next Meeting of the Comhairle. It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item under the terms of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26(f), namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle) would be disclosed.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
New Stornoway Arts Centre Funding AL02.11	110*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Finance submitted a Joint Report regarding a shortfall in funding identified in respect of the new Stornoway Arts Centre Project. Details of the funding secured, together with the revised costs and funding gap identified, were set out in the Report. It was proposed that the Comhairle assist the Project through the reinstatement of the contingency of £200,000 which the project developers, An Lanntair, had proposed to delete. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle agree to reinstate the capital contingency contained in the new Stornoway Arts Centre to the value of £50,000 in 2000/2001 and £150,000 in 2001/2002 subject to conditions to be determined by the Director of Technical Services and Director of Finance in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services; and (2) An Lanntair be required to give a quarterly report to the Director of Technical Services and Director of Finance who would report on any actual calls on the capital programme.
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