COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 20 April 2005 at 2.00pm

PRESENT	Mr Archie K Campbell (Chairman)	Mr Angus McCormack
	Mrs Annie MacDonald	Mr Alexander Mackintosh
	Miss Samantha E L Hawkins	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr John Mackay	Mr Peter Carlin
	Mr Alex A MacDonald	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Neil Campbell	Mr Donald Manford
	Mr Angus Campbell
APOLOGIES	Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mr Donald Maclean

		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 2 February 2005	1	The Minute of Meeting of 2 February 2005 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of the Crofting Joint Consultative Committee of 3 March 2005	2	The Minute of Meeting of the Crofting Joint Consultative Committee of 3 March 2005 was noted.
Declaration of Interest	3	Mr Roderick Morrison declared an interest in and left the meeting during consideration of Item 11. Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in and left the meeting during consideration of items 23 and 29. Mr Calum Ian Graham declared an interest in and left the meeting during consideration of Additional Item 32
		PRESENTATIONS
Consumer Direct CH02.01.12	4	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating Members on the current progress of the national rollout of Consumer Direct. Mr David Saunders, Director of Consumer and Competition Policy, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Dr Mitchell Leimon, Director of Consumer Direct gave a presentation on the progress of the national rollout of the Consumer Direct service. An opportunity was provided for Members of the Comhairle to ask questions of Mr Saunders and Dr Leimon.  The Chairman thanked Mr Saunders and Dr Leimon for their presentation. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Connected Communities Broadband Network DS40.30	5	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report to update Members on the progress of the Connected Communities Broadband Network project. Mr Donnie Morrison gave a presentation to the Committee on the progress on the Connected Communities Broadband Network project. An opportunity was afforded to Members of the Comhairle to ask questions of Mr Morrison.  The Chairman thanked Mr Morrison for his presentation. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) current progress on the implementation of the Connected Communities Broadband Network project be noted; and (2) the Comhairle be requested to agree that due to alternative arrangements for asset ownership and as a result of legal advice it was no longer proposed that the Comhairle be a member of or appoint Directors to the asset management company .
		BIODIVERSITY
Langavat SAC Management Plan DS61	6	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report to allow Members to consider the Langavat Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Management Plan.  The Report indicated that Langavat had been formally designated as a Special Area of Conservation by the Scottish Ministers with effect from 17 March 2005. The draft Management Plan for the Langavat Special Area of Conservation, which had been prepared by the Langavat SAC Management Plan Steering Group lead by Scottish Natural Heritage, was appended to the Report.  The Report further stated that officers of the Comhairle had been involved in the process of producing the plan and that the draft Management Plan had been endorsed by all partners on the Steering Group including the aquaculture industry and that the plan was now being presented to the Comhairle for approval. The Report further stated that it was proposed that the Langavat SAC Forum, meeting annually, would be a public meeting offering stakeholder representatives, competent authorities and members of the public a chance to meet and discuss the SAC and its management. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Langavat Special Area of Conservation Management Plan detailed at Appendix 2 of the Report be endorsed by the Comhairle; (2) that Mr Norman A Macdonald be nominated as a representative on the proposed Management Group and Forum; (3) that the Comhairle should support the view that chairmanship of the proposed Management Group be rotated between the different partner organisations represented on the group; and (4) that representations be made to the Scottish Executive in relation to the failure of its agency Scottish Natural Heritage to use Gaelic in naming designated areas.
Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan – Phase 2 DS61.01	7	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval for the second phase of draft species and habitat action plans which would form part of the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan.  It was stated in the Report that the Comhairle was leading the production of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for the Western Isles in partnership with other agencies and organisations.  Production of this plan was delivering on the aims and objectives of the Comhairle’s Corporate Strategy 2004-2007, the Comhairle’s Key Tasks and objectives of Departmental Business Plans. The Report summarised the progress made since April 2004 including efforts made to raise awareness of biodiversity and engage local individuals and the wider community.
		The second phase of the five draft habitats and species action plans were presented for approval: Corn Bunting Species Action Plan, Corn Crake Species Action Plan, Dunlin Species Action Plan, Irish Lady’s-tresses Orchid Action Plan and Cereal Field Margins Habitat Action Plan.  The Report stated that the action tables had been finalised following community consultation carried out by independent consultants. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the second phase of Action Plans as detailed at Appendices 1 - 5 of the Report and the revised action tables circulated.
		It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item 8 on the ground that exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed:  namely, Information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of the Comhairle.
Countryside Access Staffing DS61.20	8	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking support for the future permanent staffing of Countryside Access within the Comhairle.  The Report highlighted that the responsibility for managing countryside access in the Western Isles rested with the Comhairle, in terms of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that the Comhairle: (a) support in principle permanent staffing for its Countryside Access responsibilities and (b) note that details would be submitted to the Committee and to Human Resources Sub Committee in relation to the staffing requirement for Countryside Access responsibilities in August/September 2005.
		RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable and Alternative Energy Support Funds DS61.19	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities and the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals for the reallocation and future utilisation of capital funds for renewable energy projects and activity. The Report sought the reallocation of capital funds for renewable energy projects and activity.  The Report suggested a reallocation from the Chief Executive’s office to the Department for Sustainable Communities and the Department of Technical Services in relation to the Capital Resources identified from renewable energy.  The proposed reallocation was suggested as a way forward to ensure efficient utilisation of the budgets and stated that a methodology had been identified to reallocate these funds in order to ensure project delivery. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree the reallocation of renewable energy capital resources as follows:  Sustainable Communities - £200,000 and Technical Services - £340,000
Environmental Management Centre DS63.12	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report advising the Committee in relation to progress with the Environmental Management Centre and outlining the next phase of activity. The Report advised Members on progress with the Environmental Management Centre and sought approval to invite tenders and appoint consultants.  The Report stated that it was intended that the Management Centre to be located in the Castle Grounds would act as core signposting for satellite projects further afield.  The proposed select list of tenderers together with the assessment criteria proposed were detailed in Appendix 1 to the Report. It was agreed to recommend, in so far as the Committee's interests were concerned, that: (1) the Comhairle should note progress being made towards the establishment of an Environmental Management Centre;
		(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services to invite tenders from the select list of Consultants listed in Appendix 1 with the addition of Technical Services (Consultancy) in terms of Contract Regulation 8c and that it should be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services to appoint consultants according to the criteria and weightings outlined in Appendix 1 of the Report; (3) funding of up to £40,000 from the Energy Implementation Fund be approved towards achieving planning permission for the Environmental Management Centre; and (4) it be suggested to the Comhairle's partners that the centre incorporate cameras by means of which flora and fauna and in particular birdlife on, for example, Sulasgeir could be viewed.
		It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item 11 on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph  6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed: information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
		Mr Roderick Morrison declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Request for Financial Assistance DS61.19	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval for financial assistance totalling £16,900 under the Community Renewables Support Scheme to support a project to install windturbines at Shawbost Old School Hall. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provide financial assistance of up to £16,900 to Shawbost Old School Trust to support the introduction of a twin WT6000 connect system.

		ARCHAEOLOGY
Archaeology Service M02.03	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report to allow Members to consider matters relating to the Western Isles Archaeology Service.  The Report dealt with staffing matters within the Sustainable Communities Archaeology Service that had arisen from the recent Comhairle submission of an HISTP bid.  It was indicated in the Report that the HISTP application had been made which could attract some £195,000 of additional funding to the Archaeology Service. It was further stated in the Report that it was considered that neither a homebased service nor the main Western Isles Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) located in the Marybank Depository facilitated public access to information and advice and that it appeared sensible to investigate options to locate the service and its records within a clearly defined base. The Report stated that the aims and objectives of the archaeology service were linked to the Creating Communities of the Future outputs. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that; (a) that the Comhairle support consideration of any Sustainable Development Committee 2004/05 carry forward to fund a temporary archaeological assistant based in Uist; and (b) the need to investigate an established main base for the Archaeology Service where access to records and advice was more readily available be supported.
Sites and Monuments Record Forum AL09.02	13	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the need to remain a member of the Sites and Monuments Record Forum. The Report sought to continue the Comhairle’s representation on the Sites and Monuments Record Forum and approval of the statement of co-operation between the Sites and Monuments Record Forum and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. It was agreed to recommend that (a) the Comhairle should support continuing representation on the Sites and Management Record Forum; and (b) the statement of co-operation between the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland and the Scottish Sites and Management Record Forum be approved.
		ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Programme and Progress PR33.01.12	14	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing programme and progress in relation to properties held on the Sustainable Development account. It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted.
Creating Communities of the Future:  Action Plan DS40.01.02	15	The Chief Executive and the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a joint Report providing the Comhairle with a first draft of the initial action plan developed in support of the revised Creating Communities of the Future Strategy. The Report sought approval of the first draft on the initial Action Plan developed in support of the revised Creating Communities of the Future strategy.  The draft of the plan was appended at Appendix 1 to the Report. The Report stated that this action plan was to be viewed as a “living document” identifying short to medium term priorities and had the scope to evolve as activities were achieved and new activity was identified. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree the initial action plan for the revised Creating Communities of the Future Strategy.
Innovation and New Technologies Programme DS40.30	16	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report informing Members of work in the area of Innovation and New Technologies and sought approval to proceed with project development and implementation. Proposed projects and initiatives such as the Hebridean Research Foundation, Media Lab, Creative Industry Strategy, Broadband in Remote and Rural Areas (BIRRA), Broadband TV, Using New Technology in Culture and Heritage.  Work on these projects was detailed in the Report and proposals to progress these projects and situations were also described in the Report. It was agreed to recommend (a) that the range of activity being undertaken in the area of Innovation and New Technologies be noted; and (b) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to pursue the range of activity outlined in the Report under the heading "Innovation and New Technologies Programme".
Broadband Television in the Outer Hebrides DS40.30	17	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval to invite tenders for a feasibility study into the development of Broadband Television in the Outer Hebrides.  A research brief was detailed at Appendix 1 and the suggested criteria to be used to appoint consultants were detailed at Appendix 2 to the Report. The Report indicated that the Comhairle in conjunction with Western Isles Enterprise, wished to commission research into the development of a community based broadband television service in the Outer Hebrides.  The proposed study would investigate the feasibility of developing Broadband TV in the Outer Hebrides and detail a business model for the establishment, development and long term sustainability of the service. It was considered that the advent of the Connected Communities Broadband Network would open new opportunities for communities and how they represent themselves and communicate with other communities.  It was further stated that “narrow casting” over connected communities would offer opportunities for content development in areas such as Gaidhlig and culture, community capacity development, youth services and local business opportunity. It was further highlighted that the interagency regeneration strategy “Creating Communities of the Future” viewed broadband innovation as one of the key drivers that would stimulate future economic growth. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that: (1) the research study brief detailed at Appendix 1 of the report be approved; (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to invite tenders from the consultants listed in Appendix 2 in terms of Contract Regulation 8c and that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services to appoint consultants according to the criteria and weightings outlined in Appendix 2 to the Report; and (3) the total funding of up to £3,750 from the Industrial Promotion Budget be approved.
		It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Items 18, 19 and 20 on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed namely: information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, other than the Comhairle.
Lease of Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate, Stornoway DS41.23.04	18	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report to enable the Comhairle to consider four applications from prospective tenants wishing to lease Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate, Stornoway. The expressions of interest were analysed at paragraphs 4.1 – 4.5 of the Report and it was concluded that taking account of factors such as employment generation, nature of economic activity, economic impact and business plans that Shear Water Marine Services Ltd should be offered the lease of Unit 4, Mossend, Development Estate. It was agreed to recommend that Unit 4, Mossend Development Estate be offered for lease to Shearwater Marine Services, Limited subject to such terms and conditions as the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Director for Sustainable Communities, should determine.
Carloway Factory DS41	19	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating Members on developments in relation to Carloway Factory and recommending a way forward.  Developments which had taken place since the Comhairle’s initial decision to sell since the Comhairle’s initial decision were outlined in the Report with reference to the Minute of Meeting of Wednesday 2 February 2005. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle set a renewed deadline of 5pm on 29 April 2005 for conclusion of the sale; and (2) in the event that a binding agreement to sell were not in place by the said deadline, the Comhairle's offer of sale be withdrawn and the tenancy terminated forthwith.
Lochmaddy Slaughterhouse DS40.42	20	With reference to the Minute of Meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 16 December 2004 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report proposing that the Comhairle agree to rent the slaughterhouse at Lochmaddy for a period of one year and to contract with the present operator to provide the service The Chairman ruled that a material change of circumstances had occurred since the Comhairle had last considered the following matter, namely the change in the approach taken by the operator of the slaughterhouse and that it was not therefore necessary to suspend Standing Order 64 It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to conclude the lease of Lochmaddy Abattoir in terms of the decision of 16 December 2004 but with the deletion of Part (b) (i), which states "that the employees are employed by the Comhairle and not by the present operator".
Population Research PR53.01.07	21	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals for the research into issues of depopulation.  The Report sought approval of the outline research programme detailed in appendix 1 to the Report and authority to invite tenders from the list at appendix 2 to the Report and appoint on the criteria and weightings outlined in that appendix. The Report stated that the aim was to achieve demographic stability and to explore appropriate interventions to achieve this aim.  There Report highlighted issues of population decline in the Outer Hebrides which were well documented with a steady declined in population having taken place over the past one hundred years.  It was projected that there would be a further 7% reduction from 26,200 in 2002 to 21,725 by 2018.  The Report stated that a range of broad implications could be drawn from these projections.  These included series implications for the provision of public services – in particular health care and education.  The Report indicated that contraction of the population would also further diminish local labour supply, thereby reducing opportunity for economic growth and compounding the problems of economic fragility. The Report also stated that a small interagency group had been established to co-ordinate ongoing work and bring forward research recommendations.  The group consisted of representatives and the Comhairle, WIE, the Health Board and Leader Plus. It was agreed to recommend, in so far as the Committee’s interests were concerned, that (1) the Outline Research Programme detailed at Appendix 1 to the be approved; (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to invite tenders from the select list of consultants listed in Appendix 2 to the Report in terms of Contact Regulation 8c and that it should be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services to appoint consultants according to the criteria and weightings outlined in Appendix 2; and (3) total funding of up to £15,000 from the Industrial Promotion Budget be approved.
Apprentice Support in the Western Isles DS01	22	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating Members on the assistance available from Western Isles Enterprise and the Comhairle to young people in the Western Isles undertaking apprenticeships. The Report stated that the main provider of funding for apprenticeship training in the Western Isles was Western Isles Enterprise who through a network of training providers enabled young people to access a wide range of vocational qualifications. The Report highlighted that one such training provider was the Comhairle’s Skillseekers Team within the department for Sustainable Communities and that the Comhairle also provided grants to departments and employers in the building sector to encourage the employment of apprentices.  Background information on Western Isles Enterprise’s current activity levels in its national programme provision and proposed developments for the new financial year were detailed in the appendix to the Report.  It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle should note the content of the Report and support the Comhairle's approach to supporting apprentices in the Western Isles. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services and Director for Sustainable Communities submit a Report to the Policy and Resources Committee detailing what support and training opportunities could be provided to enable young people to pursue the career best suited to their skills in the appropriate forum.
		Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Newspaper Block Exemption – Update CH02	23	With reference to the Minute of Meeting of 2 February 2005 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating the Comhairle in relation to proposed changes to national newspaper and magazine distribution agreements which could have a significantly negative effect on the Outer Hebrides.  The Report provided the Committee with an update in relation to lobbying which had been authorised at the last series of meetings.  The Report stated that the UK Government had agreed that the current arrangements for newspaper distribution would remain the same but a decision on magazines was not expected until after the General Election. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) note the Report (2) agree that the Comhairle continue to lobby in relation to the block exemption for magazines; and (3) an updated Report regarding the effect of a decision in respect of magazine distribution to be brought to a future series
Marketing Brand Project DS40.01.02	24	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating Members on progress to the next stage of the Marketing Brand Project. The Report sought homologation for the engagement of consultants ‘The Market Specialists’ to develop the ‘Outer Hebrides’ brand. It was stated in the Report that it was understood that the works would be completed in early July 2005 and the findings would be presented to the Sustainable Development Committee at the earliest opportunity thereafter.  The Report stated that this was a multi agency project under the auspices of the Community Planning Partnership. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned, that the actions taken by the Director for Sustainable Communities in progressing to the next stage of this project be homologated.
Tourism Member/Officer Working Group DS09.07	25	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report updating Members on the work of the Tourism Member/Officer Working Group and recommending that the Working Group continue until the changes to the Tourism Sector had been fully implemented.  The Report sought the continuation of the Tourism Member/Officer Working Group to monitor the Visit Scotland Partnership agreement and oversee development of the new Strategic Plan for Tourism.  The Report suggested that the Member/Officer Working Group could have a useful role to play particularly in the early stages of operation of the new organisation. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree that the Tourism/Member Officer Working Group be remitted to monitor the Comhairle/Visit Scotland Partnership Agreement and oversee the development of a new strategic plan for tourism. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director for Sustainable Communities write to all businesses having premises in Stornoway Town Centre inviting them to enhance the physical aspects of their premises and that the Director for Sustainable Communities offer all possible assistance, including financial assistance wherever appropriate, to any business wishing to improve their premises.
Crofting Counties Agriculture Grants Scheme (CCAGS) Consultation DS40.02	26	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval of the draft response to the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme Consultation as outlined in Appendix 1 to the Report.  The Report stated that this matter had been considered by the Crofting JCC where concern had been expressed at the lack of a comprehensive consultation document and the question and answer format.  It was agreed to recommend that the consultation document be remitted to the Member Officer Working Group to be established in terms of Item 27 below. It was further agreed to recommend that it be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services to make representations to such organisations as she may determine on crofting related issues, including seeking meetings with such organisations, on the basis that the Director of Corporate Services would determine the Comhairle’s representative(s) at such meetings, following consultation with the Convener, Vice Convener, and the Chairman of Sustainable Development Committee and that Mr David Green of the Crofters’ Commission be invited to address the Committee.
Consultation on the Crofting Bill DS40.02	27	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking the Comhairle’s views in relation to the draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill.  The Report stated that the Bill represented a major piece of prospective legislation for the Western Isles and a draft paper detailing issues for consideration was provided at appendix 1 to the Report. Due to the importance of these issues it was suggested that it would be appropriate to have the issues considered by a short term Member/Officer Working Group and that the Director for Sustainable Communities in consultation with that group would submit a response on behalf of the Comhairle by the deadline of 12 June 2005. The Report highlighted a number of issues including reversion of land to crofting and questions of succession and maintaining the land which were summarised in the Report. The issue of renewable energy and leases which may already be in place which have the effect of restricting crofters’ right to buy and the necessity for legislation in this regard to apply retrospectively was also highlighted. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a short term Member/Officer Working Group be established and that the Chairman, Convener, Mr Angus M Graham, Mr Ronald J Mackinnon and Mr Donald Manford be appointed to that group; (2) the Member/Officer Working Group take account of the views expressed at the meeting and that all Members be invited to write to the Director for Sustainable Communities in relation to any points they wish the Member/Officer Working Group to take into account; (3) it be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Chief Executive and Member/Officer Working Group, to submit a response on behalf of the Comhairle by the deadline of 12 June 2005; and (4) it be noted that the Member/Officer Working Group could invite any person with an interest in the draft Bill to be involved in the Member/Officer Working Group.
Western Isles Aquaculture Industry DS40.04.02	28	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report advising the Committee of challenges facing the acquaculture industry and inviting the Comhairle to consider how it could assist the industry through the current transition phase.  The Report requested that the Comhairle note the current difficulties being faced by the Aquaculture Industry and that the Comhairle agree the plan to support the industry detailed in the Report. The Report stated that the immediate priorities for the Comhairle were a mix of supportive PR and practical hands-on activity and a range of actions which had been agreed with the Western Isles Acquaculture Association in this regard were summarised in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that (1) the current difficulties facing the aquaculture industry be noted; and (2) the initial plan to support the industry through the present period of transition be approved.
		It was agreed that, under the terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following Item 29 on the grounds that exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act would be disclosed: namely any instructions to Counsel and any Opinion of Counsel (whether or not in connection with any proceedings) and any advice received, information obtained or action to be taken in connection with: (a) any legal proceedings by or against the Comhairle; or (b) the determination of any matter affecting the Comhairle (whether, in either case, proceedings have been commenced or are in contemplation).
		Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Fuel at Fishery Piers T07.03	29	With reference to the Minute of Meeting of 8 December 2004 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report advising the Comhairle of legal advice received in relation to the Comhairle’s power to sell fuel at Stornoway Harbour and proposing a way ahead. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services and the Chairman of the Committee be authorised to further investigate the power to advance wellbeing in relation to the provision of fuel by the Comhairle at harbours in the Western Isles, which were not within the ownership of the Comhairle, taking account of all relevant considerations in terms of Section 20 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, on the basis that regular progress reports be submitted to Marine Fuel Member/Officer Working Group and a comprehensive report in relation to the appropriateness of the exercise of this power be submitted to the August 2005 Meeting of the Committee.
Kallin Harbour – FIFG Funding T07.02.23	30	With reference to the Minute of Meeting of Wednesday 1 September 2004 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report advising Members of the award of Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) Grant for the extension of Kallin Harbour and to obtain approval to progress the scheme to tender stage.  The Report highlighted that the Comhairle had been awarded grant in the sum of £161,612 (a 25% intervention rate rather than the 50% intervention rate anticipated).  The Report further stated that it was proposed that the detailed design and tendering of the project be progressed to enable a more accurate project cost to be determined.  Options relating to the revisiting of the project scope or identifying additional sources to augment the funding package could then be assessed in a more informed manner.  The Report further stated that a Report would be submitted to the Committee when the outcome of the tenders was known.  It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle accept the offer made by Ministers for FIFG grant assistance of £161,612 for the Kallin Harbour project; and (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to progress the detailed design and tendering of the preferred option.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	31	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding from decisions of the Sustainable Development Committee.  It was agreed to recommend that the Report be noted. Arising out of consideration of this Item the Committee was advised that further discussions had taken place with the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator in relation to Item 2 which had highlighted that a business plan would require to be submitted prior to any application for charitable status and that this matter was being progressed through the Western Isles Development Trust.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		Mr Calum Iain Graham declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Community Initiated Projects AL03.01.11	32	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report recommending the allocation of grant funding under the Comhairle’s Community Initiated Projects Scheme. The Report stated that an application had been received from Back Football and Recreation Club for £20,000 towards the upgrading and development costs of Back Community Centre and its environs.  The Report stated that the project fitted well with the aims of the Community Initiated Projects Scheme which sought to impact upon social and geographical exclusion and provision of social and recreational facilities by enhancing community infrastructure and local resources.  The financial package was detailed in the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve funding of £20,000 to Back Football and Recreation Club from the Community Initiated Project Scheme subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being confirmed.