|
Welcome:
Mr Rhodri Evans
|
|
The Chairman
welcome Mr Rhodri Evans to his first meeting of the Committee following his
appointment as Countryside Access Manager.
|
|
Welcome:
Mrs Susan Rabe
|
|
The Chairman
welcomed Mrs Susan Rabe to her first meeting of the Committee following her
appointment as Countryside Access Project Officer.
|
|
|
|
MINUTES
|
|
Minute of
Meeting of 4 February 2004
|
1
|
The Minute of
Meeting of 4 February 2004 was approved.
|
|
|
|
PRESENTATION
|
|
Tobar an
Dualchais/Kist o’ Riches
PR43.01
|
2
|
The Director
of Corporate Services submitted a Report in relation to the Tobar an
Dualchais Project which aimed to prepare catalogues and digitise the major
Gaelic and Scots sounds archive. Mr Alasdair Macleod, Sgioba na Gàidhlig
made a presentation in relation to the project and Members were offered the
opportunity of asking questions of Mr Macleod
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle note the payment of the first instalment of £10,000 to the Tobar an
Dualchais/Kist of Riches Project from the Gaelic Development budget in the
financial year 2004/05.
|
|
|
|
CORPORATE
STRATEGY
|
|
Corporate
Strategy 2001-03 Outstanding Key Tasks
PR11.40
|
3
|
The Chief
Executive submitted a Report seeking approval of the recommendations relating
to the outstanding key tasks included in the Corporate Strategy 2001-03.
Recommendations for further action and recommendations for outstanding key
aims were appended to the Report.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Report be noted insofar on the Committees
interest was concerned.
|
|
|
|
BIODIVERSITY
AND COUNTRYSIDE
|
|
Environmental
Management Centre
CH03.01
|
4
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the potential for
establishing an Environmental Management Centre in the Western Isles. The
proposed Centre would provide an interpretation of the
Alternative/Renewable/Green Agenda and highlight the significant role that
the Western Isles could play within this sector. The Centre would
demonstrate technology and link in with a range of other activities in this
area, such as the waste strategy, community energy projects, woodland
schemes, Action 35 and other environmental management actions.
It was
agreed to recommend:
(1)
that the Committee supports the overall
proposals for the establishment of an Environmental Management Centre; and
(2)
the approval of funding of circa £5,000
towards initial feasibility work in order to progress the Project.
|
|
Western
Isles Woodland Strategy
DS40.05
|
5
|
With reference
to item 10 the Minute of Meeting of 26 November 2003 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the
Western Isles Woodland Strategy. At the launch of the strategy a Locational
Premium Scheme for the Western Isles was announced by the Scottish Executive
which would be used to fund the implementation of local priority objectives.
The Report indicated that the Executive have recently announced a further
years funding for the Scheme bringing the total available to the Western Isle
to £600k.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle supports the mechanisms developed by Forestry Commission Scotland for the delivery of the Western Isles locational premium scheme.
|
|
Western
Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan
DS61.01
|
6
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the Western Isles
Local Biodiversity Action Plan. The Plan was introduced in order to ensure
that national and locally important species and habitats were managed through
focused local action.
It was
agreed to recommend approval of the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action
Plan.
Arising from consideration of this
item it was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit
a Report to the next Meeting in relation to Environmental Designations.
|
|
Land
Reform (Countryside Access) Consultation
DS40.15.02
|
7
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a draft response to
the Scottish Executives consultation on the draft guidance for Local
Authorities to part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
It was agreed to recommend approval of
Appendix 2 of the Report as the basis of the Comhairle's response.
|
|
|
|
DEVELOPMENT
PLANS
|
|
Stornoway
Regeneration
DS21.01
|
8
|
With reference
to item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2004 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report regarding proposals for Stornoway
Regeneration which had been discussed by the Community Planning Partnership.
The Community Planning Partnership had agreed that the Comhairle would be the
lead body in co-ordinating changes in the physical environment in and around
Stornoway.
It was
agreed to appoint Mr Angus McCormack and Mr Angus Campbell to lead the
Stornoway Regeneration Steering Group on behalf of the Community Planning
Partnership as outlined in the Report.
|
|
|
|
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
|
|
|
|
It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of item 14 on the grounds that exempt information as defined in
Paragraph 8 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would
be disclosed, namely information relating to the amount of any expenditure
proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for
the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.
|
|
Alternative
Energy Capital Programme 2003-06
DS61.19
|
9
|
The Chief Executive submitted a Report
detailing proposals for the allocation of financial resources for 2003/06 for
alternative and renewable energy projects and programmes. The Report
proposed the establishment of a Community Sustainable Energy Project Fund
which would enable WIAREP to deliver a capital grant scheme to local businesses
and community organisations to help secure matching funding or additional
funding for alternative and renewable energy projects.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
establish a Community Sustainable
Energy Project Fund as outlined in the Report;
(2)
establish a Comhairle Sustainable
Energy Project Fund as outlined in the Report; and
(3)
obtains prices for the supply and
installation of 2 second-hand 75kW Vestas V17 from the supplier detailed in
the Report in terms of Contract Regulation 8(c).
|
|
Community
Renewables Support Fund
DS61.19
|
10
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals to
establish a community Renewable Support Fund within the Capital Programme
2004/08 in order to stimulate community based activity in relation to
renewable energy generation.
It was agreed to recommend approval
of the general principles set out in the Report for the implementation of a
“Community Renewables Support Fund” as a basis for developing a Project
Evaluation Report to support the inclusion of the project in the Capital
Programme 2004/08.
|
|
Alternative and Renewable Energy
Developments MOWG: Community Benefit
DS61.19
|
11
|
The Chief
Executive submitted a Report detailing progress with the establishment of a
Western Isles Community Wellbeing Trust. The purpose of community benefit is
to recognise that large scale renewable energy developments have the capacity
to transform the islands landscape and place a strain on the social and
physical infrastructure provided through the public sector. Such impacts
merit a community benefit contribution from each development and these
benefits should be spread throughout the islands.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle assist WIAREP to take such steps as are necessary to establish a
Western Isles Community Wellbeing Trust as outlined in the Report.
It was
further agreed to recommend:
(1)
homologation of the expenditure of
approximately £25k from the Capital Programme 2003/06: Alternative Energy on
consultancy on behalf of the Alternative and Renewable Energy Developments
Member/Officer Working Group from Brodies/IPA Energy consulting; and
(2)
authorisation of expenditure of up to a
further estimated £10k for additional work to be undertaken with respect to
the setting up of a Western Isles Community Wellbeing Trust, such additional
monies also to be taken from the Capital Programme 2003/06: Alternative
Energy.
|
|
Alternative Renewable Energy MOWG:
Report on Progress
DS61.19
|
12
|
The Chief
Executive submitted a Report detailing progress with work of the Alternative
and Renewable Energy Development Member/Officer Working Group. The Report
summarised the outcomes of meetings with prospective windfarm developers and
the RSPB.
It was
agreed:
(1)
to recommend that the Report be noted;
and
(2)
to appoint Mrs Annie Macdonald to the
Alternative & Renewable Energy Member/Officer Working Group.
|
|
The HigHville Project Proposal
DS61.19
|
13
|
The Chief
Executive submitted a Report in relation to the HigHville Project which aimed
to assist local communities to develop efficient self-supplying renewable
energy systems. Mr Iain Mackinnon, Head of Energy, Coastal Zone and Special
Projects gave a presentation on the HigHville Project and members were
afforded the opportunity of asking questions of Mr MacKinnon.
It was
agreed to recommend that:
(1)
the Comhairle welcomes participation,
through membership of WIAREP, in the HigHville Project as a further step in
the development of the Western Isles as an Energy Innovation Zone; and
(2)
the Comhairle investigate holding a
conference on Hydrogen Technologies.
|
|
|
|
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
|
|
|
|
It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of item 14 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 of the
Comhairle.
|
|
Review of Economic Development Services
DS40.01.02
|
14
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval in principal
for a review of Economic Development Services. The review took a strategic
and long-term approach for the delivery of Economic Development Services.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
Support the principle that the Economic
Development Service moves from the present model towards a structure that is
based around four priority areas (i.e. Economic Planning; Innovation; Natural
Resources/Infrastructure and Business Support);
(2)
Notes that the new Management Structure,
which is currently the subject of consultation with staff and trade unions,
will be subject of a report to a future meeting of Human Resources
Sub-Committee
|
|
Business Loan Scheme Progress &
Review
DS40.82
|
15
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals for a
review of the Business Loan Scheme. The Report detailed the draft review
brief which would be agreed with scheme partners and highlighted the areas
which would be incorporated.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1) note
the success of the Business Loan Scheme; and
|
|
|
|
(2) approve;
(i)
a review of the Business Loan Scheme as
outlined in the Report; and
(ii)
expenditure of up to £2,500 from
Sustainable Development revenue budgets, to enable the review to be carried
out.
|
|
Consumer Direct
CH02.01.12
|
16
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the
implementation phase for the Consumer Direct Project. The key decisions
taken under delegated powers were detailed. In addition to regular meetings
of the project Steering Group, Department of Trade and Industry project
managers provided detailed support on all aspects of project implementation.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
note the current progress of the
implementation of the Consumer Direct Contact Centre for Scotland;
(2)
note the actions undertaken under
delegation; and
(3)
formally invite the DTI and the other
Pathfinders to hold their June 2004 Meeting in Stornoway.
|
|
|
|
It was agreed that the public, including the
press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of items 17, 18
& 19 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 then the Comhairle.
|
|
Kildonan Museum, South Uist
AL09.01
|
17
|
The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report detailing an application for funding from CEUD for a
project to extend display and café areas at Kildonan Museum.
It was agreed to recommend approval
of a grant of £10,000 from the Tourism Budget 2004/05 to Comann Eachdraidh
Uibhist a Deas for the extension to Kildonan Museum to provide an improved
display and café area.
|
|
Business Loan Scheme (AB 105/080)
DS40.82
|
18
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning an application for
a business loan from Hebridean Tech House Limited. The Report indicated that
the level of funding would exceed that which could be considered by the
scheme partners.
It was agreed to recommend
consideration by the scheme partners, under the Business Loan Scheme, of a
loan application by Hebridean Tech. House of up to £100,000, subject to
standard scheme conditions, and there being sufficient scope within the
Business Loan Scheme Guarantee.
|
|
|
|
Mr Norman A
Macdonald declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of
the following item.
|
|
Financial Assistance Provided under
Delegated Power
DS40.02.06
|
19
|
The
Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking homologation
of the actions of the Director for Sustainable Communities in granting a loan
of up to £10,000 to Uig Community Trust. The Report indicated that the
matter could not be dealt with under delegated powers as the local member for
the Uig Ward was a Trustee of Uig Community trust.
It was agreed to
recommend that the action of the Director for Sustainable Communities is
homologated.
|
|
|
|
COMMUNITY
SUPPORT
|
|
|
|
Mr Donald Macdonald declared an
interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
|
|
Review of Councils for Voluntary Services
PR90.28
|
20
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the Scottish
Executive review into the role, function and funding of Scotland’s Council
for Voluntary Services. The Report detailed the implications of the review
for the Western Isles CVS Network and detailed a draft response to the review
proposals.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
note the recommendations of the reviews
into the role and function of, and the funding allocation to, Scotland’s
CVS’s inasmuch as these recommendations impact upon the Western Isles CVS
network; and
(2)
submit a response to the Scottish
Executive in the terms outlined in the Report.
|
|
|
|
It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of items 21 on the grounds that exempt information as defined
in Paragraph 8 & 9 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act
1973 would be disclosed, namely any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to
the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract for the
acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.
|
|
Connected Communities Broadband Network
DS40.30
|
21
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the
Connected Communities Broadband Network Project. The Project aimed to
deliver a high performance broadband network across the Western Isles. The
Report further indicated that a Heads of Terms partner agency agreement had
been signed in order to ensure project implementation approval.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle homologate the action of the Chief Executive in signing a Heads of
Terms agreement with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and NHS Eilean Siar.
|
|
Creating Communities of the Future
DS40.01.02
|
22
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with the
implementation of Creating Communities of the Future. Creating Communities
of the Future was a shared inter-agency vision for the regeneration of the
Western Isles. The original strategy document identified six inter-related
drivers which would secure investment leading to a cascade of development and
the Report indicated that it would be an appropriate time to review the
strategy.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
support the overall proposals for
revising and refreshing the Creating Communities of the Future strategy;
(2)
consider whether the six economic
drivers detailed in the Report together with a Tourism driver, adequately
cover the range of economic development opportunities; and
(3)
authorise the Director for Sustainable
Communities to work with partners to finalise the revising of Creating
Communities of the Future.
|
|
|
|
TOURISM
|
|
|
|
Mr Donald Macdonald declared an
interest and left the meeting during consideration of items 23 and 24.
|
|
Review of Area Tourist Boards
DS40.08
|
23
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the Minister
for Tourism’s announcement of increased funding to VisitScotland together
with the abolition of the 14 Area Tourist Boards. The Area Tourist Boards
would be replaced by an integrated VisitScotland network of 14 hubs with the
responsibility for the delivery of the National Tourism Strategy in these
areas.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle:
(1)
discuss the changes with WITB, WIE and
VisitScotland to ensure that the tourism product in the Western Isles is
enhanced and that these new proposals do not undermine the increase in
tourism numbers and income seen over the last few years;
(2)
develop a Policy outlining a vision for
Tourism for the Western Isles; and
(3)
approve the submission of a progress
Report to the next Meeting.
|
|
Western Isles Tourist Board Funding
Request for 2004/05
DS40.08
|
24
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request from
the Western Isles Tourist Board for core grant funding for the 2004/05
financial year. The Report further indicated that the Tourist Board had
requested a further grant for the upkeep of the VisitHebrides Tourism Niche
Marketing Project for 2004/05.
It was
agreed to recommend approval of:
(1)
core funding of £104,000 for the
Western Isles Tourist Board for 2004/05 from the Tourism Budget; and
(2)
a sum of £25,000 for the maintenance of
the VisitHebrides websites, Public Relations and attendance at exhibitions
from the Tourism and Marketing & Promotion Budgets.
|
|
|
|
AQUACULTURE
|
|
Western Isles Aquaculture Task Force
DS40.04.02
|
25
|
The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report detailing progress with the Western Isles Aquaculture Task
Force. The Report detailed the main areas for co-ordinated action in relation
to relocation, planning, infrastructure and funding which have been agreed by
the task force.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Report be noted.
|
|
Control of Development in Inshore Waters
DS21.01
|
26
|
With reference
to item 20 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 February 2004 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to progress with the
Control of Development in Inshore Waters. The Report further clarified the
licensing system that applies to coastal developments in Orkney and Shetland.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Report be noted.
|
|
|
|
Mr Angus
Campbell declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of
the following item.
|
|
|
27
|
The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the
provision of Marine Fuel Sales at Piers. The Report detailed those piers
where tanks had now been sited and indicated that the two larger capacity
tanks for Kallin and Kirkibost and the two remote delivery systems for Brevig
and Berneray were substantially complete.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Report be noted.
|
|
|
|
BUILDINGS
|
|
|
|
The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the possibility
of the Comhairle purchasing two commercial premises owned by the Scottish
Co-op in Stornoway and Castlebay in order to meet corporate storage needs and
to provide an opportunity to acquire additional letting premises in Barra to
promote economic development.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to promote negotiations
with the Scottish Co-op with a view to purchase the Co-op store in Castlebay,
upon vacation by the Scottish Co-op, should such an opportunity arise.
|
|
|
|
PERFORMANCE
MONITORING
|
|
Reports Outstanding: Progress
PR33.01.12
|
|
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.
|