4 June 2003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 4 June 2003 at 2.00pm.

PRESENT

Mr Archie Campbell (Chairman)

Mrs Annie MacDonald (Vice-Chairman)

Miss Samantha E L Hawkins

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr John Mackay

Mr Angus McCormack

Mr Alex A MacDonald

Mr Alexander M Mackintosh

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Neil Campbell

Mr Donald Maclean

APOLOGIES

Mr Peter Carlin

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Donald Manford

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 12 March 2003

1

The Minute of Meeting of 12 March 2003 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003

2

The Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003 was approved.

FINANCE

Revenue Expenditure Outturn 2002/03

3

With reference to item 3 of the Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the revenue expenditure incurred during the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003 for the Comhairle's services.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Revenue Expenditure Out-Turn 2002/03, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Capital Expenditure Outturn 2002/03

4

With reference to item 2 of the Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Non-Housing Capital Programme for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003.

It was agreed to recommend that the final Capital Expenditure to 31 March 2003 be noted and to recommend approval of the Slippage & Acceleration to/from the 2003/04 Initial Committed Programme to the Approved Programme for 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

BROADBAND

Western Isles Connected Communities Broadband Network

DS40.30

5

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress on the Connected Communities Broadband Network Project. The project aims to deliver a high performance broadband network across the Western Isles which will bring fast internet access to business and individual users and meet the infrastructure requirements of public sector organisations.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle reaffirm its support for the Connected Communities Broadband Network project and the phased rollout of the project as agreed with the Scottish Executive and project partners; and

(2) the need for additional matching funding from the Comhairle to be allocated for the second phase of the project to achieve full implementation throughout the Western Isles be noted.

CONSERVATION

Scottish Executive Consultation on a Draft Strategy for Scotland's Biodiversity

DS61.01

6

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the Scottish Executive's consultation on a draft Strategy for Scotland's Biodiversity. The Report further detailed the programme of work to be undertaken in the current year in respect of the Local Biodiversity Plan.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Appendix 1 of the Report form the basis of a response to the Scottish Executive; and

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to proceed to the next stage of the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan as set out in para 6.1 of the Report.

Scottish Executive Consultation - Legislating for the Nature of Scotland - Proposals to Conserve and Enhance Scotland's Natural Heritage

DS61.01

7

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the Scottish Executive's consultation on "Legislating for the Nature of Scotland - Proposals to conserve and enhance Scotland's natural heritage". The Report indicated that the Comhairle should generally welcome the positive approach to land management in the Bill while stating its opposition to the introduction of Land Management Orders.

It was agreed to recommend that Appendices 1 and 2 of the Report form the basis of the Comhairle's response to the Scottish Executive.

It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to enable a response to be made prior to the deadline for receipt of comments on the grounds that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

Proposed Extension to St Kilda Candidate Special Area of Conservation

DS61.05

8

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the proposal to extend the St Kilda candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC).

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) do not raise any objection to the proposed extension of the St Kilda candidate Special Area of Conservation; and

(2) forward the comments, set out at Appendix 1 of the Report, as the basis of its response to Scottish Natural Heritage.

Scottish Planning Policy 7 - Planning & Flooding: Consultation Draft

DS21.01

9

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 7: Planning & Flooding. The key purpose of the SPP would be to prevent new development which would be affected by flooding or would increase flooding probability elsewhere.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) generally welcome the draft SPP7 and submits the comments set out in Appendix 1 as the basis of its response to the Scottish Executive; and

(2) approve that the Local Flood Appraisal is taken forward by the Western Isles Integrated Coastal Zone Management Group.

Local (Countryside) Access Forum

DS61.20

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the establishment of a Local Access Forum. The purpose of the Forum would be to advise the Comhairle and provide the public with information on access issues and help to resolve disputes.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle establish a Local Access Forum in the Western Isles as set out in paras 6.1 to 7.1 and Appendix 1 of the Report

Mr Alexander M Macintosh, seconded by Mr Angus McCormack, moved that Mr Norman A Macdonald be appointed to the Local (Countryside) Access Forum.

Mr Donald Maclean, seconded by Mr Neil Campbell, moved that Mr Donald J Macsween be appointed to the Local (Countryside) Access Forum

There being no further nominations, the Committee proceeded to vote by ballot, the result of which was as follows:

Mr Norman A Macdonald 7 votes

Mr Donald J Macsween 2 votes

The Chairman declared that Mr Norman A Macdonald had been elected as the Committee's representative on the Local (Countryside) Access Forum.

CROFTING

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 11 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.

Western Isles Slaughterhouses

DS40.02

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation regarding slaughtering facilities in the Western Isles. The Report indicated that upgraded licensed slaughtering facilities would be available for the 2003/04 season in Barra and Lochmaddy.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Western Isles Slaughterhouses (Stornoway Abattoir)

DS40.02

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the operation of the Comhairle owned Stornoway Abattoir. In the absence of a commercial interest in its operation and in light of the continuing responsibility on the Comhairle to seek a practicable route for local producers to meet health and welfare legislation the Report recommended that the Comhairle operate the facility on a seasonal basis or until a commercial interest was declared or the facility became unviable to operate.

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

(1) operate the Stornoway Abattoir seasonally from mid-August to Christmas 2003, subject to confirmation being obtained from the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, that the arrangements are not in conflict with European State Aid Regulations;

(2) delegate to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Services, authority to make such arrangements as are necessary, including the recruitment of staff, through the Comhairle's normal procedures, to effect the provision of the service until the August series of meetings of the Comhairle;

(3) delegate to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, the setting of charges for slaughtering, designed to deliver the service at no extra cost to the Comhairle;

(4) agree that the service offered by the Stornoway Abattoir be specified to the same standard as that agreed for its operation in 2002 and that the service be passed to the remit of the Environmental Services Committee; and

(5) approve the revised constitutional arrangements as detailed in the Report.

Programme and Progress: Fishery Piers

T07.02

13

The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in respect of fishery piers.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

Marine Resources - Sustainable Development Programme 2003/04

DS40.01.02

14

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a support programme for the sustainable development of marine and freshwater resources in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the proposed Marine Resources Sustainable Development Programme for 2003/04 as outlined in the report at paragraph 5.2.

Arising from consideration of this Item, it was agreed:

(1) to establish an Aquaculture Liaison Group;

(2) that the Chairman of Sustainable Development be appointed to the Aquaculture Liaison Group, and;

(3) to recommend that the Comhairle appoint the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member from each of the Environmental Services Committee and Transportation Committee to serve on the Aquaculture Liaison Group.

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 14 below, on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of the Comhairle.

Community Employment Initiative (CEI)

DS40.01.18

15

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation in respect of the Community Employment Initiative. The CEI began in 1996 and provided training and employment opportunities for individuals who had experienced long term unemployment. Financial options for the continuation of the service were detailed.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) support the continuation of the Community Employment Initiative Project, including the wider participant eligibility and consequent wider geographic opportunities for training and delivery of community sponsored environmental projects outlined in Option One of the Report;

(2) provisionally agree to vire £25,000 from the Apprenticeship Scheme budget on 1 September 2003 to the CEI budget and that CEI cuts back to an 18-24 category provision only from that date, and;

(3) agree, in principle, to support a bid for additional funding of £50,000 in this financial year and growth of £50,000 in subsequent years to the August series of meetings and that if this bid is successful, not proceed with the virement outlined in recommendation (b).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 15 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.

Development Properties - Carloway Pier Building

DS41

16

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request to purchase the Carloway Pier Building, Carloway.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle do not accede to the request to purchase the pier building and that negotiations regarding the long term future use of facilities at the pier, for all pier users, take place; and

(2) in the event that the said negotiations are concluded to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities, the pier building be sold to the applicant at the District Valuer's valuation, subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall determine.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

17

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.

ADDITIONAL 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.

Sale of Auction Mart

DS40.02

18

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an offer by the Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd wishing to purchase the Auction Mart, Steinish. The Report indicated that the Comhairle had previously agreed to encourage a community organisation to take over the ownership of the Auction Mart and the proposal would fall within that policy.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) agree to sell the Auction Mart, Steinish to Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd, trading as Long Island Auction Mart, subject to:

(a) the agreement of SYT Trading Ltd to assign the ground lease being obtained;

(b) confirmation being obtained from the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, that the proposals do not contravene State Aid Guidelines;

(c) the submission of information from Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd regarding the nature of the company to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee;

(d) a price being set by the District Valuer;

(e) Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd receiving sufficient funding from the Scottish Land Fund to complete the purchase, and;

(2) agree that any capital receipt be allocated to the Sustainable Development provision in the Capital Programme for Abattoirs 2003/04.

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

APOLOGIES	Mr Peter Carlin
	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon	Mr Donald Manford

		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 12 March 2003	1	The Minute of Meeting of 12 March 2003 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003	2	The Minute of Meeting of 20 May 2003 was approved.
		FINANCE
Revenue Expenditure Outturn 2002/03	3	With reference to item 3 of the Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the revenue expenditure incurred during the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003 for the Comhairle's services. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance concerning Revenue Expenditure Out-Turn 2002/03, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Capital Expenditure Outturn 2002/03	4	With reference to item 2 of the Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Non-Housing Capital Programme for the period 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2003. It was agreed to recommend that the final Capital Expenditure to 31 March 2003 be noted and to recommend approval of the Slippage & Acceleration to/from the 2003/04 Initial Committed Programme to the Approved Programme for 2003/04, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		BROADBAND
Western Isles Connected Communities Broadband Network DS40.30	5	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress on the Connected Communities Broadband Network Project. The project aims to deliver a high performance broadband network across the Western Isles which will bring fast internet access to business and individual users and meet the infrastructure requirements of public sector organisations.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle reaffirm its support for the Connected Communities Broadband Network project and the phased rollout of the project as agreed with the Scottish Executive and project partners; and (2) the need for additional matching funding from the Comhairle to be allocated for the second phase of the project to achieve full implementation throughout the Western Isles be noted.
		CONSERVATION
Scottish Executive Consultation on a Draft Strategy for Scotland's Biodiversity DS61.01	6	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the Scottish Executive's consultation on a draft Strategy for Scotland's Biodiversity. The Report further detailed the programme of work to be undertaken in the current year in respect of the Local Biodiversity Plan. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) Appendix 1 of the Report form the basis of a response to the Scottish Executive; and (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to proceed to the next stage of the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan as set out in para 6.1 of the Report.
Scottish Executive Consultation - Legislating for the Nature of Scotland - Proposals to Conserve and Enhance Scotland's Natural Heritage DS61.01	7	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the Scottish Executive's consultation on "Legislating for the Nature of Scotland - Proposals to conserve and enhance Scotland's natural heritage". The Report indicated that the Comhairle should generally welcome the positive approach to land management in the Bill while stating its opposition to the introduction of Land Management Orders. It was agreed to recommend that Appendices 1 and 2 of the Report form the basis of the Comhairle's response to the Scottish Executive. It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to enable a response to be made prior to the deadline for receipt of comments on the grounds that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.
Proposed Extension to St Kilda Candidate Special Area of Conservation DS61.05	8	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the proposal to extend the St Kilda candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) do not raise any objection to the proposed extension of the St Kilda candidate Special Area of Conservation; and (2) forward the comments, set out at Appendix 1 of the Report, as the basis of its response to Scottish Natural Heritage.
Scottish Planning Policy 7 - Planning & Flooding: Consultation Draft DS21.01	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response to the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 7: Planning & Flooding. The key purpose of the SPP would be to prevent new development which would be affected by flooding or would increase flooding probability elsewhere. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) generally welcome the draft SPP7 and submits the comments set out in Appendix 1 as the basis of its response to the Scottish Executive; and (2) approve that the Local Flood Appraisal is taken forward by the Western Isles Integrated Coastal Zone Management Group.
Local (Countryside) Access Forum DS61.20	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the establishment of a Local Access Forum. The purpose of the Forum would be to advise the Comhairle and provide the public with information on access issues and help to resolve disputes. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle establish a Local Access Forum in the Western Isles as set out in paras 6.1 to 7.1 and Appendix 1 of the Report Mr Alexander M Macintosh, seconded by Mr Angus McCormack, moved that Mr Norman A Macdonald be appointed to the Local (Countryside) Access Forum. Mr Donald Maclean, seconded by Mr Neil Campbell, moved that Mr Donald J Macsween be appointed to the Local (Countryside) Access Forum There being no further nominations, the Committee proceeded to vote by ballot, the result of which was as follows: Mr Norman A Macdonald 7 votes Mr Donald J Macsween 2 votes The Chairman declared that Mr Norman A Macdonald had been elected as the Committee's representative on the Local (Countryside) Access Forum.
		CROFTING
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 11 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.
Western Isles Slaughterhouses DS40.02	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation regarding slaughtering facilities in the Western Isles. The Report indicated that upgraded licensed slaughtering facilities would be available for the 2003/04 season in Barra and Lochmaddy. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Western Isles Slaughterhouses (Stornoway Abattoir) DS40.02	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the operation of the Comhairle owned Stornoway Abattoir. In the absence of a commercial interest in its operation and in light of the continuing responsibility on the Comhairle to seek a practicable route for local producers to meet health and welfare legislation the Report recommended that the Comhairle operate the facility on a seasonal basis or until a commercial interest was declared or the facility became unviable to operate.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that the Comhairle:
		(1) operate the Stornoway Abattoir seasonally from mid-August to Christmas 2003, subject to confirmation being obtained from the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, that the arrangements are not in conflict with European State Aid Regulations; (2) delegate to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Services, authority to make such arrangements as are necessary, including the recruitment of staff, through the Comhairle's normal procedures, to effect the provision of the service until the August series of meetings of the Comhairle; (3) delegate to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, the setting of charges for slaughtering, designed to deliver the service at no extra cost to the Comhairle;
		(4) agree that the service offered by the Stornoway Abattoir be specified to the same standard as that agreed for its operation in 2002 and that the service be passed to the remit of the Environmental Services Committee; and (5) approve the revised constitutional arrangements as detailed in the Report.
Programme and Progress: Fishery Piers T07.02	13	The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in respect of fishery piers. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Marine Resources - Sustainable Development Programme 2003/04 DS40.01.02	14	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a support programme for the sustainable development of marine and freshwater resources in the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the proposed Marine Resources Sustainable Development Programme for 2003/04 as outlined in the report at paragraph 5.2. Arising from consideration of this Item, it was agreed: (1) to establish an Aquaculture Liaison Group; (2) that the Chairman of Sustainable Development be appointed to the Aquaculture Liaison Group, and; (3) to recommend that the Comhairle appoint the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member from each of the Environmental Services Committee and Transportation Committee to serve on the Aquaculture Liaison Group.
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 14 below, on the grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of the Comhairle.
Community Employment Initiative (CEI) DS40.01.18	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current situation in respect of the Community Employment Initiative. The CEI began in 1996 and provided training and employment opportunities for individuals who had experienced long term unemployment. Financial options for the continuation of the service were detailed. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) support the continuation of the Community Employment Initiative Project, including the wider participant eligibility and consequent wider geographic opportunities for training and delivery of community sponsored environmental projects outlined in Option One of the Report; (2) provisionally agree to vire £25,000 from the Apprenticeship Scheme budget on 1 September 2003 to the CEI budget and that CEI cuts back to an 18-24 category provision only from that date, and; (3) agree, in principle, to support a bid for additional funding of £50,000 in this financial year and growth of £50,000 in subsequent years to the August series of meetings and that if this bid is successful, not proceed with the virement outlined in recommendation (b).
		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
		It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 15 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.
Development Properties - Carloway Pier Building DS41	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning a request to purchase the Carloway Pier Building, Carloway. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle do not accede to the request to purchase the pier building and that negotiations regarding the long term future use of facilities at the pier, for all pier users, take place; and (2) in the event that the said negotiations are concluded to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities, the pier building be sold to the applicant at the District Valuer's valuation, subject to such other terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, shall determine.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	17	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
		ADDITIONAL 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.
Sale of Auction Mart DS40.02	18	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an offer by the Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd wishing to purchase the Auction Mart, Steinish. The Report indicated that the Comhairle had previously agreed to encourage a community organisation to take over the ownership of the Auction Mart and the proposal would fall within that policy. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) agree to sell the Auction Mart, Steinish to Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd, trading as Long Island Auction Mart, subject to: (a) the agreement of SYT Trading Ltd to assign the ground lease being obtained; (b) confirmation being obtained from the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, that the proposals do not contravene State Aid Guidelines; (c) the submission of information from Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd regarding the nature of the company to the satisfaction of the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee; (d) a price being set by the District Valuer; (e) Long Island Crofters Trust Ltd receiving sufficient funding from the Scottish Land Fund to complete the purchase, and; (2) agree that any capital receipt be allocated to the Sustainable Development provision in the Capital Programme for Abattoirs 2003/04.