27 August 2003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 27 August 2003 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Archie Campbell (Chairman)

Mrs Annie MacDonald (Vice-Chairman)

Miss Samantha EL Hawkins

Mr John Mackay

Mr Alexander M Mackintosh

Mr Alex A MacDonald

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Neil Campbell

Mr Peter Carlin

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Donald Manford

Mr Angus McCormack

APOLOGIES

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Tribute

The Chairman welcomed Mr Bob Dunsmore to the Meeting and indicated that Mr Dunsmore would be making a presentation in respect of the Woodland Strategy.

Tribute

The Chairman referred to Mr Iain Macleod, Fisheries Development Officer, who was unwell and wished him a full and speedy recovery.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 4 June 2003

1

The Minute of Meeting of 4 June 2003 was approved.

CONSTITUTION

Appointments to Member/Officer Working Groups

DS01

2

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Member/Officer Working Groups which had been established during the previous term of the Comhairle under the Sustainable Development Committee. Members were given the opportunity to consider whether to re-establish these Working Groups.

It was agreed:

(1) to dis-establish the Member/Officer Working Groups detailed in the Appendix to the Report with the exception of the Kallin Harbour Member/Officer Working Group;

(2) that the Kallin Harbour Member/Officer Working Group be re-established with the previous membership, together with the Chairman, and consideration be given to extending the remit to cover all Fishery Piers; and

(3) the remit of the Newton Ward Member/Officer Working Group be considered as part of the proposals for the regeneration of Stornoway.

FINANCE

Quarter One Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04

3

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members about the Comhairle's Forecast Revenue Outturn for 2003/2004 at the end of the first quarter

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Quarter 1 Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 Aril 2003 - 30 June 2003

4

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress and seeking decisions on changes in the Capital Programme for 2003/04 as at 30 June 2003.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2003 - 30 June 2003, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

General Fund Capital Programme 2004 - 2008

5

The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the options available to them in setting a capital programme for 2004/08 and seeking agreement on the process by which the programme could be finalised.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the General Fund Capital Programme 2004 - 2008, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Additional Projects for 2003/04 Capital Programme

6

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the additional projects identified by the Finance Working Group for inclusion in the 2003/04 Capital Programme, should resources permit. It was stated that the Comhairle is in the final year of funding Capital Expenditure by Section 94 Consent as the Prudential System for Capital Accounting comes into effect on 1 April 2004. To ensure that consent is not lost and that no GAE is eroded for loan charge support, it is proposed that the Capital Programme be increased to a projected 10% overspend

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Programme 2003/04 Additional Projects, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

BUILDINGS

Repair and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2003/04: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 2003

PR110.08

7

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development account to the end of the First Quarter of the current financial year.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

POLICY

Creating a Better Place to Live and Work - Outcome of Sustainable Development Committee Seminar

DS09

8

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the key themes identified at the Committee's Seminar held on 20 August 2003. The key themes would form the basis of the Committee's Policy portfolio for adoption by the Comhairle for inclusion in the Strategic Plan.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Sustainable Development policy themes set out in the Appendix to the Report form the basis of the Committee's policy portfolio for adoption by the Comhairle, for inclusion in its strategic plan; and

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to draw up practicable goals for these policies, where relevant, for consideration by the Committee to form Key Tasks for completion within the current term of the Comhairle.

BIODIVERSITY AND COUNTRYSIDE

Western Isles Woodland Strategy

DS63

9

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the progress in preparing a Woodland Strategy for the Western Isles. The Strategy would provide a long-term vision for the development of woodlands to meet the needs of people in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) welcome progress with preparing a Woodland Strategy; and

(2) agree to the preparation of a proposal to assist with the development of local expertise, for presentation to the next meeting.

Countryside Access

DS61.20

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a draft Access Strategy for the Western Isles. The Strategy would provide a framework for the development of a wide range of access related initiatives in the Western Isles in addition to core paths.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) approve the Western Isles Access Strategy, detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report, as a working draft and support the preparation of a Comhairle led HISTP bid delivering objectives of the Strategy; and

(2) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to prepare a proposal, within the context of the revenue budget setting process, to deliver the Comhairle's obligations on Countryside Access and the potential for a Ranger Service in the Western Isles as outlined in the Report.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Western Isles Structure Plan

DS24.01

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing modifications from the Scottish Executive in respect of the Western Isles Structure Plan. The Report indicated that the proposed modifications were considered to be generally acceptable and they did not alter the main Policy framework set out in the finalised Plan as previously approved by the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) note and generally welcome the proposed modifications to the Western Isles Structure Plan proposed by the Scottish Ministers; and

(2) forward the comments set out in Appendix 1 of the Report, as the basis of its response, on the proposed modifications to the Scottish Ministers.

Private Sector Housing Grant Consultation

DS20

12

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

CROFTING

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.

Western Isles Slaughterhouses

DS40.02

13

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation regarding the provision of slaughtering facilities throughout the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to make payments to the operators of the Harris, Lochmaddy and Barra slaughterhouses in respect of the financial year 1999-2000, subject to submission by the said operators of accounts and any other information required by the Director of Finance; and

(2) the Comhairle agree to authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities, in conjunction with the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services, to enter negotiations with operators of the facilities in Lochmaddy and Barra with a view to securing a kill and return service in the current operating season, subject to confirmation being received from SEERAD that any provisional agreement reached does not contravene the State Aid Guidelines.

Scottish Crofting Foundation

DS40.02

14

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

FISHERIES

HISTP Fisheries Infrastructure Programme

DS40.04.49

15

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report proposing a programme of fishery infrastructure improvements which would be funded jointly by the Comhairle, WIE and HISTP.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle;

(1) approve the Fisheries Infrastructure Programme as outlined in the Report; and

(2) note that applications for FIFG funding are subject to approval of Comhairle matching funding of £135k from the HISTP budget.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to the next meeting on a Strategic Review of In-shore Fisheries.

Fisheries Loan Scheme

DS40.04.41

16

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the outcome of a review of the Fisheries Loan Scheme. The independent review had concluded that the Scheme had been highly successful in directing investment to the fisheries sector in the Western Isles and creating and retaining jobs. The Report highlighted the need for a continuation of the Scheme and for continued public sector support to meet a sustained level of demand from the fisheries sector.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) note the conclusions and recommendations of the Fisheries Loan Scheme review;

(2) enter into discussions with the Royal Bank of Scotland to seek a reduction in the current level of the global guarantee;

(3) agree in principle with the continuation of the scheme subject to a suitable funding package being agreed by the Comhairle; and

(4) agrees that a further Report on (2), (3) and (4) above be brought before a future meeting of the Sustainable Development and Policy and Resources Committees as appropriate.

Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 17 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.

Fuel at Fishery Piers

T07.02

17

The Chairman gave an update to Members on progress with the provision of fuel at Fishery Piers. The timescale for providing fuel tanks at Comhairle piers was detailed and the current situation in respect of Stornoway harbour was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the update on the fuel at fishery piers schemes be noted; and

(2) the Fuel at Fishery Piers Member/Officer Working Group be asked to consider the practicalities of the Comhairle purchasing a fuel tanker.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Business Advantage

DS40.01.18

18

It was agreed to withdraw this Report.

Apprenticeship and Enterprise Scheme Update

DS40.01.18

19

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation in respect of the setting up of an Apprenticeship and Enterprise Scheme. The Project aimed to maintain and improve the current Western Isles Programme for supporting young people in acquiring a trade or professional qualification, which would enable them to take up permanent employment or set up their own business on the Islands.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) note the progress made;

(2) agree to vire up to £30k from the Apprenticeship Scheme budget to fund Enterprise Youth for the remainder of the current financial year; and

(3) agree to the proposed steps and timetable for setting up a scheme as detailed in the Report.

Consumer Direct

CH02

20

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress for the potential bid by the Western Isles Community Planning Partnership to set up the new consumer helpline, Consumer Direct, in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Stornoway Regeneration

DS40.01.18

21

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report proposing that the Comhairle hold a workshop to evaluate the co-ordination of developments in and around Stornoway and examine opportunities that may arise from a unified strategy.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) authorises the Director for Sustainable Communities to organise a workshop at the earliest opportunity and that its conclusions are brought back to the Sustainable Development Committee for consideration as soon as possible thereafter; and

(2) agree that a `key aim' for the term of this Comhairle should be to "investigate fully the merits of developing the co-ordination of development in and around Stornoway" and adopt any agreed outputs into its Corporate Strategy.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Items 22 and 23 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.

Mr Alex A MacDonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following Item.

Old Sail Loft, Stornoway

DS40.01.18

22

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to a proposal from Highland Buildings Preservation Trust to renovate the Old Sail Loft and Commercial Hotel, at North Beach Street Stornoway to create seven new quality dwelling units in category `A' listed buildings.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle grant financial support for the Old Sail Loft, Stornoway Project, in the sum of £50,000 from the identified unallocated capital funds, 2003/04, subject to all conditions and legal requirements of the individual grant schemes being met by the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust, to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities.

Appointment of Consultants for Contaminated Land

CH03.14

23

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to the appointment of consultations in contaminated land to undertake an investigation into a site in Castlebay, and seeking an amendment to the scheme of delegation to permit the Director for Sustainable Communities to appoint consultants to undertake contaminated land investigations where the cost is less than £10,000.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) an intrusive site investigation be carried out by Remedios Ltd into the site at Castlebay, Isle of Barra as shown in drawing 22 (14a 75) 15 Rev a; and

(2) the Scheme of Delegation be amended to permit the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, to engage consultants to undertake investigations under Part IIA of the Environment Protection Act 1990, where the estimated cost is less than £10k and the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make any necessary consequential amendments to the Comhairle's constitutional documents.

Mossend Development Estate

DS41

24

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the deterioration of roof sheeting at Mossend Development Estate. The Report indicated that the units were much sought after as small business starter units and every effort should be taken to ensure they were maintained to a high standard.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to re-roof the units at Mossend Development Estate, with profile metal sheeting, subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, and subject to the funding being identified.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of 25 and 26 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.

Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate

DS41.23.04

25

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report asking the Committee to determine the lease of Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate, Stornoway. The Report detailed the businesses who had expressed an interest in leasing the property.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offers Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate, for lease to Stornoway Building Services subject to such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall determine.

Kirkibost Development Estate

DS41.66

26

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a request to purchase a plot of land at Kirkibost Development site. The Report indicated that the site comprised of a level hardcore surface and was located to the southerly end of the Kirkibost Development Estate and presently offered no significant benefit to the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offer the plot measuring 185m² of the Kirkibost Development Estate for sale to Mr David Hargreaves at current market valuation per the District Valuation Office and on the terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Corporate Services and the Director for Sustainable Communities.

Hebridean Challenge

AL06.01

27

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a funding request in respect of the Hebridean Challenge for the following two financial years. The Report indicated that the Hebridean Challenge was an important cultural and sporting event for the Western Isles and it was recommended that the Comhairle should continue to support this event through the marketing and promotion and the tourism budgets.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle makes a grant of £7,000 to support the hosting of the Hebridean Challenge in 2004 and 2005 in the financial years 2003/04 and 2004/05, subject to standard grant conditions.

Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission

AL05

28

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking the appointment of a substitute Member of the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle appoint Mr Angus McCormack as substitute for Councillor Angus Campbell when he is unable to attend meetings of the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding - None

PR33.01.12

29

The Director of Corporate Services indicated that there were no Reports outstanding from the Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

PRESENT	Mr Archie Campbell (Chairman)
	Mrs Annie MacDonald (Vice-Chairman)
	Miss Samantha EL Hawkins
	Mr John Mackay	Mr Alexander M Mackintosh
	Mr Alex A MacDonald	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Neil Campbell	Mr Peter Carlin
	Mr Angus Campbell	Mr Donald Manford
	Mr Angus McCormack

APOLOGIES	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Tribute		The Chairman welcomed Mr Bob Dunsmore to the Meeting and indicated that Mr Dunsmore would be making a presentation in respect of the Woodland Strategy.
Tribute		The Chairman referred to Mr Iain Macleod, Fisheries Development Officer, who was unwell and wished him a full and speedy recovery.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 4 June 2003	1	The Minute of Meeting of 4 June 2003 was approved.
		CONSTITUTION
Appointments to Member/Officer Working Groups DS01	2	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the Member/Officer Working Groups which had been established during the previous term of the Comhairle under the Sustainable Development Committee. Members were given the opportunity to consider whether to re-establish these Working Groups.
		It was agreed: (1) to dis-establish the Member/Officer Working Groups detailed in the Appendix to the Report with the exception of the Kallin Harbour Member/Officer Working Group; (2) that the Kallin Harbour Member/Officer Working Group be re-established with the previous membership, together with the Chairman, and consideration be given to extending the remit to cover all Fishery Piers; and (3) the remit of the Newton Ward Member/Officer Working Group be considered as part of the proposals for the regeneration of Stornoway.
		FINANCE
Quarter One Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04	3	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members about the Comhairle's Forecast Revenue Outturn for 2003/2004 at the end of the first quarter
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Quarter 1 Revenue Forecast Out-turn 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 Aril 2003 - 30 June 2003	4	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress and seeking decisions on changes in the Capital Programme for 2003/04 as at 30 June 2003.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2003 - 30 June 2003, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
General Fund Capital Programme 2004 - 2008	5	The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the options available to them in setting a capital programme for 2004/08 and seeking agreement on the process by which the programme could be finalised.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning the General Fund Capital Programme 2004 - 2008, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Additional Projects for 2003/04 Capital Programme	6	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the additional projects identified by the Finance Working Group for inclusion in the 2003/04 Capital Programme, should resources permit. It was stated that the Comhairle is in the final year of funding Capital Expenditure by Section 94 Consent as the Prudential System for Capital Accounting comes into effect on 1 April 2004. To ensure that consent is not lost and that no GAE is eroded for loan charge support, it is proposed that the Capital Programme be increased to a projected 10% overspend
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Non-Housing Capital Programme 2003/04 Additional Projects, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		BUILDINGS
Repair and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2003/04: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 2003 PR110.08	7	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development account to the end of the First Quarter of the current financial year. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
		POLICY
Creating a Better Place to Live and Work - Outcome of Sustainable Development Committee Seminar DS09	8	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the key themes identified at the Committee's Seminar held on 20 August 2003. The key themes would form the basis of the Committee's Policy portfolio for adoption by the Comhairle for inclusion in the Strategic Plan.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Sustainable Development policy themes set out in the Appendix to the Report form the basis of the Committee's policy portfolio for adoption by the Comhairle, for inclusion in its strategic plan; and (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to draw up practicable goals for these policies, where relevant, for consideration by the Committee to form Key Tasks for completion within the current term of the Comhairle.
		BIODIVERSITY AND COUNTRYSIDE
Western Isles Woodland Strategy DS63	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the progress in preparing a Woodland Strategy for the Western Isles. The Strategy would provide a long-term vision for the development of woodlands to meet the needs of people in the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) welcome progress with preparing a Woodland Strategy; and (2) agree to the preparation of a proposal to assist with the development of local expertise, for presentation to the next meeting.
Countryside Access DS61.20	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a draft Access Strategy for the Western Isles. The Strategy would provide a framework for the development of a wide range of access related initiatives in the Western Isles in addition to core paths.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the Western Isles Access Strategy, detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report, as a working draft and support the preparation of a Comhairle led HISTP bid delivering objectives of the Strategy; and (2) authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to prepare a proposal, within the context of the revenue budget setting process, to deliver the Comhairle's obligations on Countryside Access and the potential for a Ranger Service in the Western Isles as outlined in the Report.
		DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Western Isles Structure Plan DS24.01	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing modifications from the Scottish Executive in respect of the Western Isles Structure Plan. The Report indicated that the proposed modifications were considered to be generally acceptable and they did not alter the main Policy framework set out in the finalised Plan as previously approved by the Comhairle.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note and generally welcome the proposed modifications to the Western Isles Structure Plan proposed by the Scottish Ministers; and (2) forward the comments set out in Appendix 1 of the Report, as the basis of its response, on the proposed modifications to the Scottish Ministers.
Private Sector Housing Grant Consultation DS20	12	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
		CROFTING
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
Western Isles Slaughterhouses DS40.02	13	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation regarding the provision of slaughtering facilities throughout the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to make payments to the operators of the Harris, Lochmaddy and Barra slaughterhouses in respect of the financial year 1999-2000, subject to submission by the said operators of accounts and any other information required by the Director of Finance; and (2) the Comhairle agree to authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities, in conjunction with the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services, to enter negotiations with operators of the facilities in Lochmaddy and Barra with a view to securing a kill and return service in the current operating season, subject to confirmation being received from SEERAD that any provisional agreement reached does not contravene the State Aid Guidelines.
Scottish Crofting Foundation DS40.02	14	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this report.
		FISHERIES
HISTP Fisheries Infrastructure Programme DS40.04.49	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report proposing a programme of fishery infrastructure improvements which would be funded jointly by the Comhairle, WIE and HISTP.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle; (1) approve the Fisheries Infrastructure Programme as outlined in the Report; and (2) note that applications for FIFG funding are subject to approval of Comhairle matching funding of £135k from the HISTP budget. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to the next meeting on a Strategic Review of In-shore Fisheries.
Fisheries Loan Scheme DS40.04.41	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the outcome of a review of the Fisheries Loan Scheme. The independent review had concluded that the Scheme had been highly successful in directing investment to the fisheries sector in the Western Isles and creating and retaining jobs. The Report highlighted the need for a continuation of the Scheme and for continued public sector support to meet a sustained level of demand from the fisheries sector.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the conclusions and recommendations of the Fisheries Loan Scheme review; (2) enter into discussions with the Royal Bank of Scotland to seek a reduction in the current level of the global guarantee;
		(3) agree in principle with the continuation of the scheme subject to a suitable funding package being agreed by the Comhairle; and (4) agrees that a further Report on (2), (3) and (4) above be brought before a future meeting of the Sustainable Development and Policy and Resources Committees as appropriate.
		Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 17 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
Fuel at Fishery Piers T07.02	17	The Chairman gave an update to Members on progress with the provision of fuel at Fishery Piers. The timescale for providing fuel tanks at Comhairle piers was detailed and the current situation in respect of Stornoway harbour was outlined.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the update on the fuel at fishery piers schemes be noted; and (2) the Fuel at Fishery Piers Member/Officer Working Group be asked to consider the practicalities of the Comhairle purchasing a fuel tanker.
		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Business Advantage DS40.01.18	18	It was agreed to withdraw this Report.
Apprenticeship and Enterprise Scheme Update DS40.01.18	19	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation in respect of the setting up of an Apprenticeship and Enterprise Scheme. The Project aimed to maintain and improve the current Western Isles Programme for supporting young people in acquiring a trade or professional qualification, which would enable them to take up permanent employment or set up their own business on the Islands.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the progress made; (2) agree to vire up to £30k from the Apprenticeship Scheme budget to fund Enterprise Youth for the remainder of the current financial year; and (3) agree to the proposed steps and timetable for setting up a scheme as detailed in the Report.
Consumer Direct CH02	20	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress for the potential bid by the Western Isles Community Planning Partnership to set up the new consumer helpline, Consumer Direct, in the Western Isles.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Stornoway Regeneration DS40.01.18	21	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report proposing that the Comhairle hold a workshop to evaluate the co-ordination of developments in and around Stornoway and examine opportunities that may arise from a unified strategy.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) authorises the Director for Sustainable Communities to organise a workshop at the earliest opportunity and that its conclusions are brought back to the Sustainable Development Committee for consideration as soon as possible thereafter; and (2) agree that a `key aim' for the term of this Comhairle should be to "investigate fully the merits of developing the co-ordination of development in and around Stornoway" and adopt any agreed outputs into its Corporate Strategy.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Items 22 and 23 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
		Mr Alex A MacDonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following Item.
Old Sail Loft, Stornoway DS40.01.18	22	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to a proposal from Highland Buildings Preservation Trust to renovate the Old Sail Loft and Commercial Hotel, at North Beach Street Stornoway to create seven new quality dwelling units in category `A' listed buildings.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle grant financial support for the Old Sail Loft, Stornoway Project, in the sum of £50,000 from the identified unallocated capital funds, 2003/04, subject to all conditions and legal requirements of the individual grant schemes being met by the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust, to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities.
Appointment of Consultants for Contaminated Land CH03.14	23	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report relating to the appointment of consultations in contaminated land to undertake an investigation into a site in Castlebay, and seeking an amendment to the scheme of delegation to permit the Director for Sustainable Communities to appoint consultants to undertake contaminated land investigations where the cost is less than £10,000. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) an intrusive site investigation be carried out by Remedios Ltd into the site at Castlebay, Isle of Barra as shown in drawing 22 (14a 75) 15 Rev a; and
		(2) the Scheme of Delegation be amended to permit the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, to engage consultants to undertake investigations under Part IIA of the Environment Protection Act 1990, where the estimated cost is less than £10k and the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to make any necessary consequential amendments to the Comhairle's constitutional documents.
Mossend Development Estate DS41	24	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the deterioration of roof sheeting at Mossend Development Estate. The Report indicated that the units were much sought after as small business starter units and every effort should be taken to ensure they were maintained to a high standard.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to re-roof the units at Mossend Development Estate, with profile metal sheeting, subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, and subject to the funding being identified.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of 25 and 26 below on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate DS41.23.04	25	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report asking the Committee to determine the lease of Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate, Stornoway. The Report detailed the businesses who had expressed an interest in leasing the property.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offers Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate, for lease to Stornoway Building Services subject to such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall determine.
Kirkibost Development Estate DS41.66	26	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a request to purchase a plot of land at Kirkibost Development site. The Report indicated that the site comprised of a level hardcore surface and was located to the southerly end of the Kirkibost Development Estate and presently offered no significant benefit to the Comhairle.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offer the plot measuring 185m² of the Kirkibost Development Estate for sale to Mr David Hargreaves at current market valuation per the District Valuation Office and on the terms and conditions to be agreed by the Director of Corporate Services and the Director for Sustainable Communities.
Hebridean Challenge AL06.01	27	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a funding request in respect of the Hebridean Challenge for the following two financial years. The Report indicated that the Hebridean Challenge was an important cultural and sporting event for the Western Isles and it was recommended that the Comhairle should continue to support this event through the marketing and promotion and the tourism budgets.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle makes a grant of £7,000 to support the hosting of the Hebridean Challenge in 2004 and 2005 in the financial years 2003/04 and 2004/05, subject to standard grant conditions.
Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission AL05	28	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking the appointment of a substitute Member of the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle appoint Mr Angus McCormack as substitute for Councillor Angus Campbell when he is unable to attend meetings of the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding - None PR33.01.12	29	The Director of Corporate Services indicated that there were no Reports outstanding from the Committee. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.