Mr A Anderson
Mr A M Millar
Mr T Jackson
Mr W Mowat
Mr D Allan
Mrs J Urquhart
Mr R W Durham
Mrs M E Paterson
Mr D Chisholm
Mrs A MacLean
Mrs I McCallum
Mr H Fraser
Mrs I Campbell
Mr R A C Balfour
Mrs M C Davidson
Mr W J Smith

Mr A Milne
Mrs M A MacLennan
Mr A J Dick
Mr J S Gray
Mrs J N Home
Mr J N Matheson
Mr L Fraser
Mrs S Slimon
Mr G Rimell
Mr T MacLennan
Dr M E M Foxley
Mr N Clark
Rev A Glass
Mr J McDonald
Rev A Sinclair

NON-MEMBERS ALSO PRESENT:

Mr D Mackay
Mr J H Green
Mr G M Smith
Mr D W Briggs
Dr D Alston
Mr J Laing

Mr J T MacDonald
Mr C King
Mrs O J Macdonald
Mr B J Murphy
Mr A R McFarlane Slack

BUSINESS

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee

1.

2.

SUCCESSES

The Committee NOTED a list of recent successes, including the following, and AGREED that their congratulations be conveyed to those concerned:-

- Almost fifty schools, nurseries and community projects in Highland were set to get home reading projects off the ground thanks to a cash injection from the Scottish Executive’s Home Reading Initiative Small Grants Scheme. 

- The Scottish Museums Council had identified Am Baile as one of only four exemplar sites of best practice in its report “Museums, Galleries and Digitisation”.

- A father and daughter, both Highland Council employees based in Dingwall, celebrated the success of gaining their respective distance learning degrees sponsored by the Council. Fiona Richardson, a Youth Development officer, obtained a BA in Community Education.  Her father, John MacKenzie, Property and Architectural Services, collected his MSc post graduate degree in Project Management.

- Fortrose Academy was one of only six schools in Scotland to receive the British Council’s International School Award given on the basis of a submitted folio of evidence which showed the high importance the school gave to the international dimension and the pupil/teacher work going on. 

- A film premiere was held on 18 October in the Spectrum Centre of five short films funded jointly by the Highland Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund scripted, shot and starred in by young people from across the HHHighlands.

- South Primary School Choir P5-7 pupils, Wick had recently been invited to perform at a community concert with a wartime theme to raise money to transform a derelict area into a community garden.  The concert was staged in partnership with the BBC as part of its “Lets Do the Show Right Here” series to be broadcast on Radio Scotland early in the new year.

- George Glass, Cauldeen Primary Headteacher had been asked by the British Council to present the work done by pupils in the curricular integration of e-twinning at two events in November, the first in Hull and the second in Malta.

- Glen Foster, S6 Thurso High School had been awarded an IMechE Undergraduate Scholarship, consisting of £2,400 usually paid over 4 years, which was awarded annually to students wishing to pursue an IMechE accredited degree. 

- The main winners at the recent Highland Junior Golf Championships held at the Nairn Golf Club in October were reported to Members.

- In the Loo of the Year Awards, in addition to a range of 3, 4 and 5 star gradings and the Council being awarded a Standard of Excellence Award, the Service received six National Category Award Winner Certificates for Scotland at the recent World Toilet Summit in Belfast.  

- Quality Award Winners
Employee of the Year – Moira Mackenzie, Nursery Teacher, Park Primary, Invergordon
Representing the Highlands – The Gambia Project – A partnership between the Council, Fujitsu and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme
Valuing and Involving Staff – Teacher Training – A distance learning approach

3.

REVENUE BUDGET 2005/06 - MONITORING

There had been circulated Report No ECS65/05 dated 18 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport on Revenue Expenditure on the Education, Culture and Sport Service for the period from 1 April to 30 September 2005 and the projected year end position.  The report showed that the non devolved sector of the Service was £0.597m over-spent.  Members were reminded of the key budgetary pressures, as reported to previous meetings, but were also informed that the September 2005 school roll census figures were now available and it was hoped the anticipated £0.175m savings could be achieved in the devolved staffing budget as a result of the expected decrease in pupils in primary and pre-school.  Devolved staffing budgets would be revised so that details of year end surpluses and deficits could be reported to the Committee’s next meeting.  Meanwhile, action would be required to balance the budget, namely:-

- An embargo on the filling of vacant posts unless this action had a detrimental impact on front-line service delivery
- A ban on discretionary expenditure
- Reducing the number of officer meetings, seminars and training events involving travel and subsistence
- The delay of implementing any policy changes which would result in additional costs being incurred
- Strict adherence to the Director’s initiative on the reducing expenditure on energy

In discussion, concern was expressed that funding identified for the development of the Surestart initiative, which addressed child poverty, was not repeatedly cut.  It was hoped to address the overspend on the budget delegated to the Joint Committee on Children and Young People through Area-based discussions on the Early Years Services.  Reasons were also given why a blanket ban on all new initiatives would be inappropriate, given the Services’ statutory responsibilities and that some initiatives might result in savings being achieved.  Similarly, posts which fulfilled a statutory requirement would be filled but all other posts would be carefully scrutinised by the Director before appointments were made.  The suggestion was made that, if the appeal on the Rates Revaluation was unsuccessful, representations be made to the Scottish Executive to review the level of Grant Aided Expenditure. On school roll census figures it was requested information also be provided at Area level to enable the impact on teachers in individual schools to be assessed. 

The Committee:-

(i) APPROVED the actions outlined to manage the projected over-spend;
(ii) NOTED the current position in relation to devolved school budget projections; and
(iii) NOTED that a detailed report on devolved school budget projections would be brought to the Committee at its meeting on 19 January 2006.

4.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2005/2006 – MONITORING

There had been circulated Report No ECS66/05 dated 1 November 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out expenditure on the Education, Culture and Sport Service for the period 1 April to 30 September 2005 as per the revised Capital Plan of 11 August 2005.

The Committee NOTED the content of the report.

5.

SUMMARY OF SCHOOL BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND

There had been circulated Report No ECS67/05 dated 1 November 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport summarising the present position in relation to projects being carried out and funded by the area devolved School Building Improvement Fund (sbif).  A cd-rom disk had also been provided to area service managers and Education, Culture and Sport portfolio holders which detailed the condition of schools as per the schools estate strategy at the time of the schools estate surveys of 2003.

It was emphasised that the package of works identified in the report for the period 2006/07-2008/09 was not a definitive list and it was for Area Committees to determine priorities.  To allow them to do so, it was vital that Members were provided with all relevant information and that projects represented Best Value.

The Committee:-

(i) NOTED the present position with regard to the projects undertaken through the devolved School Building Improvement Fund; and
(ii) AGREED that the 2006/07 work packages identified be extended to include projects in 2007/08 and that Area Committees be requested to determine and commit to the projects for the two year period.

6.

SCOTTISH SCHOOLS (PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT) BILL

There had been circulated Report No ECS68/05 dated 26 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport advising Members on the main policy objectives and specific proposals in the new Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill.  The report also provided a draft response to the Scottish Parliament with regard to its recent call for evidence on the Bill.

It was explained that the parents of a school would form the Parent Forum who would then be able to appoint a Parent Council.  Parent Councils would replace School Boards and would be more flexible and inclusive.  The Bill allowed for combined Parent Councils where parents in one or more schools could appoint a single Parent Council, a measure which could suit many rural Highland schools. Concern was however expressed in relation to the greater involvement Parent Councils would have in the early stages of the appointment of Senior Promoted Posts.  If this was a route to be followed, it was important there was a commensurate increase in the responsibility of Councillors and that regular training was also provided.  There was no mention of Councillors in the proposals and, with the proposal for multi-member wards in 2007, it was an issue that required to be addressed.  However, Members were assured that once the Act was passed, a policy statement would be submitted to the Committee which could specify that local Members automatically were part of Parent Councils and which would lay down the Council’s recruitment procedure for staff.  Although there would be resource implications, School Boards also currently incurred expenditure by the Council.

The Committee:-

(i) NOTED the content of the report;
(ii) APPROVED further consultation across the Highland Council area with regard to the implementation of the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill; and
(iii) APPROVED the draft response but with emphasis being placed on the importance of ensuring elected member involvement in the appointment of promoted posts being commensurate with those of the Parent Council.

7.

A CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE

It was recalled that the launch of “Ambitious Excellent Schools” in November 2004 contained a commitment by the Scottish Executive to establish a review of the curriculum 3 to 18 to work towards A Curriculum for Excellence.  In this connection, there had been circulated Report No ECS69/05 dated 25 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport outlining the authority’s implementation strategy for a Curriculum for Excellence within the context of Ambitious, Excellent Schools and which aimed to have a better curriculum in place by 2007.

The Director of Education, Culture and Sport explained that the current curriculum structure was complex and had evolved over 20-25 years; the proposals included the reconstituting of a Review Group to consider and advise on issues arising from A Curriculum for Excellence; the main objectives were to overhaul and streamline the curriculum and develop children and young people with the capacity to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.  He outlined the significant developments that had already taken place within the Service giving a secure foundation to take forward further developments, the outline programme that had been provided by the National Programme Board who were overseeing the review of the process and a number of actions that were to be undertaken by the local authority and schools as a result.  Highland Council had also decided to engage with the Register of Interests under two key areas, namely, achievement and transition between the various stages.

Members recognised the importance of having early foundations in place but it was also important that children were given the right to play in the early years and into primary.  The re-establishment of the Review Group was also welcomed and it was hoped it would ensure that all primary schools feeding into a secondary school had equality of opportunity and that pupils entered secondary school with the necessary skills.  However, the removal by the Scottish Parliament of certain subjects, such as modern languages, from the core compulsory curriculum was regretted.  The greater emphasis on vocational training was welcomed, as an important development rather than the current concentration on promoting tertiary education, and an update to Members on current provision of vocational training in both schools and colleges was proposed.  Young people had to be equipped with the knowledge and to make the right choices which might not necessarily be an academic route.  In many instances vocational training might be more appropriate but information was required on career paths available which could further be augmented by presentations to schools from successful local individuals.

The Committee NOTED the proposed way forward in reviewing and delivering A Curriculum for Excellence.

8.

DETERMINED TO SUCCEED – ENTERPRISE IN EDUCATION

There had been circulated Report No ECS70/05 dated 27 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport detailing the significant progress in the first two years of this initiative and which sought advice on the future direction of this development.  A detailed presentation was also given to Members illustrating the projects taking place in schools and the support offered to them to take forward enterprise activities.  Details were also provided on the development of vocational and Skills for Work courses.  It was hoped “Determined to Succeed” would develop enterprise and initiative and make links to creativity and citizenship, examples of where this had been achieved being cited, thus adding to pupils’ education and personal development.  Working in partnership with Careers Scotland was an important aspect as was linking careers advice to schools in a more coherent manner so that future labour market information could be provided.  To support the promotion of enterprise in education industrial placements for teachers had been made so that they could see industry in operation and also take examples back to the classroom. 

Members emphasised the importance of all agencies involved providing effective careers advice in a joined up and coherent manner and discussion had taken place with Careers Scotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in this regard with agreement being sought from the Education Minister for this to take place. It was recognised that careers information, at both a regional and local level, needed to be targeted at a younger age range to allow informed decisions to be made about future opportunities and market demands. Mentoring schemes and local studies also had considerable relevance in providing examples of what could be done if pupils chose to remain in their communities.  It was also important to provide young people with parenting skills as well as academic and vocational training to prepare them for the future.  However, to retain them in the Highlands the shortage of affordable housing had to be addressed.  Concern was also expressed that the proposals could mean that certain subjects, such as History, would be dropped from the curriculum but the Director assured Members that History was seen as an integral part of the curriculum.

The Committee:-

(i) NOTED the significant developments to date across the Authority;
(ii) AGREED that further developments ensured coherence with the Curriculum for Excellence Strategy incorporating developments in the School for Ambition Project in Inverness High School; and
(iii) AGREED that a report be submitted to the Committee’s next meeting updating Members on vocational training and career information provided to young people.

9.

BEST VALUE - REVIEW OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICE

Following the Best Value Review of Support for Learning in 2003 a Best Value Review of Educational Psychology Services was established.  In this connection, there had been circulated Report No ECS71/05 dated 25 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport detailing the recommendations from the review.

The Review Group had taken account of various key issues and it was proposed that the Area based structure would be maintained although this meant that the teams varied in size.  The recommendations of the Group came under four main headings: workload, travel time, information on the Service and liaison with partners and administration and training.  There was a shortage of psychologists but the report proposed the introduction of psychological assistants to allow assessments to be undertaken by them thus freeing up the time of psychologists.  It was hoped that this would also encourage psychological assistants to become trainee psychologists and it was therefore further proposed that Distance Learning Courses be considered with involvement with UHI and other academic partners to provide locally based training.  The associated costs of the recommendations could be met from within existing budgets.

During discussion, Members acknowledged the importance of the Service.  The proposal to include information in the leaflet given to parents directing them in the first instance to the child’s teacher/headteacher was welcomed and would ensure best use of resources was achieved.  Through School Liaison Groups there was a route which parents and staff could follow to address needs to a point where psychologists would then become involved.  In addition, as part of the Support for Learners website, a section had been developed on psychological services.  By freeing up time, it also allowed psychologists to allocate more assessment and specific time for joint working with colleagues in Health Services, something which Members saw as vital.
 
The Committee:-

(i) NOTED the content of the Best Value Review; and
(ii) APPROVED the recommendations arising from the Review as detailed in the report.

10.

SAFE AND WELL – NEW NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

There had been circulated Report No ECS72/05 dated 31 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport informing Members of the benchmark requirements for schools and local authorities as a result of new national child protection guidance from the Scottish Executive entitled “Safe and Well” and which outlined how the Service proposed to respond in Highland.

The main points of guidance for schools and Education Authorities were set out,  together with the issue of children and young people who might disappear from education.  The guidance had been taken into account by the Service and the “Safe and Well” handbook prepared by the Scottish Executive had been distributed to all establishments.  In addition, the other actions proposed in response to the new guidance were:-

- the Head of Education Services assuming responsibility at strategic level as Education Authority Child Protection Manager
- the Area Education Manager (Skye and Lochalsh) undertaking the role of Education Officer for operational child protection issues including the co-ordination of the Children Missing Education responsibilities
- leaflets for children and parents informing them of child protection procedures being prepared for issue by late November, 2005
- an assessment was being undertaken by the Child Protection Training Co-ordinator of the training implications stemming from the guidance
- a thorough review of current practice against the guidance recommendations had been put in place to identify procedural gaps that required to be filled or amendments needed
- the Director was to issue a circular giving heads of establishments and staff further advice on the implications of the handbook and on procedures for Children Missing from Education.

In endorsing the new guidance in child protection, the Committee APPROVED the various actions detailed to help continue to ensure that Highland’s children and young people were well protected.

11.

REVIEW OF BLAS FESTIVAL

There had been circulated Report No ECS74/05 dated 27 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport providing Members with a performance overview of Blas, the Festival celebrating Highland music, which had taken place in September 2005.  Feedback from audiences and promoters had been very positive and Blas had been nominated for a Scottish Traditional Music Award.  However, lessons for the future had been taken on board.  Amongst these was the proposal to introduce a family ticket and possibly a multi gig rover ticket to reduce the cost for those wishing to attend several events.

In discussion Members praised the success of Blas, especially in bringing events to remote areas.  The use of local promoters was welcomed.  With the potential for fringe events to develop, the notification of dates in advance was important.  Suggestions were made on how to build on this success including improving marketing in some areas, particularly to encourage people into the area and to travel between events, and that larger venues, namely in the Lochaber area, could be used.  No events had taken place in Inverness because, at that time, Inverness had had its own Festival in the form of the Inner Moray Firth Arts Festival although this had since ceased.

The Committee NOTED the success of the inaugural Blas festival and AGREED to the introduction of the reduced “family ticket” and, if technically possible, to a multi event “rover” ticket.

12.

REVIEW OF SCHOOL CLOSURE PROCEDURES

It was recalled that the Committee had requested a review of the current procedures relating to school closures.  However, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) had recently announced its intention to co-ordinate a national review of this matter.  In addition, the Education Minister had recently indicated a desire to review existing guidance to authorities on school closures.  Consequently, Members considered the merits of continuing with the review at present or deferring it until the national reviews were completed.

Some Members felt that as the decision had already been made to undertake a review, it should proceed as planned.  Issues in Highland might be unique to the area and little would be gained by waiting for the CoSLA or Ministerial review.  There had been considerable pressure during previous recent consultations to review not just procedures but the content of the documents issued and, with further consultations arising, it was important that these matters were addressed.  However, it was pointed out that consultations were not confined solely to school amalgamations and closures but to a variety of issues and a Council review would delay many of the consultations currently in the pipeline.  Particular guidance was expected to be produced on rural schools and until this was known it would be premature to carry out a review in Highland meantime. 

Thereafter, Mr A Anderson, seconded by Mr A M Millar, MOVED to defer the review until the results of the current national review were known. 

Mrs A MacLean, seconded by Mrs I McCallum, moved as an AMENDMENT that the Council proceed to review its own procedures.

On a vote being taken the outcome was as follows:-

For the Motion

Mr T C Jackson
Mr A Anderson
Mr A M Millar
Mrs I M Campbell
Mr R A C Balfour
Mrs M C Davidson
Mrs M A MacLennan
Mr A J Dick

Mrs J N Home
Mr J N Matheson
Mr G Rimell
Dr M E M Foxley
Mr N M Clark
Mr J McDonald
Rev A Sinclair          

For the Amendment

Mrs J Urquhart
Mrs M E Paterson
Mrs A MacLean

Mrs I McCallum
Mr T J MacLennan

The Motion was CARRIED by 15 votes to 5.

13.

FUTURE OF EDUCATIONAL PROVISION IN BRAE, LOCHABER

There had been circulated Report No ECS74/05 dated 1 November 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport setting out the background to an options appraisals exercise, carried out following informal community consultation, and which recommended that a statutory consultation be carried out on the future of educational provision in Brae, Lochaber.  The options available were:-

(i) Roy Bridge Primary remain open with investment in the building limited to essential health and safety work;
(ii) amalgamation with Spean Bridge Primary to an extended Spean Bridge Primary; or
(iii) a new 21^st century school in Roy Bridge, constructed by the community with external funding support and leased to the Council.

Members explored the merits of the options and highlighted factors, including transport costs, which would have to be taken into account when the outcome of the consultation was reported back to Committee.  The current school at Roy Bridge was in a very unsatisfactory condition but offered excellent PE and music tuition.  However, its retention had been promised for inclusion in the options appraisal.  The second option offered an opportunity to provide enhanced community facilities. The third option of the community providing a new school was innovative.  Nevertheless, it was vital it underwent full and detailed examination to ensure it was properly costed, would not be a drain on the Service’s Capital Programme and was fully explored with the Scottish Executive with their response made known.

The Committee AGREED that:-

(i) there be a statutory public consultation on the future of educational provision in Brae Lochaber; and
(ii) in order that locally based consultation could commence, consultation papers be drawn up for the consideration of the Lochaber Area Committee, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

14.

PROPOSED REVIEW OF PROVISION AT MILLBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL, NAIRN – GAELIC MEDIUM EDUCATION

Arising from requests from parents, the Director of Education, Culture and Sport had recommended that, in terms of the Council’s agreed procedures, a consultation process commence on providing Gaelic Medium Education at Millbank Primary School, Nairn for the Nairnshire Area.

During discussion concern was expressed at the lack of Member involvement in the run up to the proposal being considered and it was vital that they were involved in the preparation of the consultation paper.  In addition, given the discussion which had already taken place concerning the serious budgetary position, questions were raised as to affordability.  It was suggested it was inappropriate at this time to consider new commitments.  Major projects in Nairn were failing and there was a danger that all that would be achieved would be the provision of a Gaelic Medium Unit despite little Gaelic Medium Education taking place beyond Primary School. 

The Director pointed out, however, that as a formal request had been received from parents, the Council were required to respond and the question before Members was whether to go out to consultation and not the merits of the proposal.  The costs involved would be detailed in the consultation paper but it was important that the displacement financial effect that such a school could have as a result of removing pupils from other schools was taken into account.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED:-

(i) that a consultation be undertaken on the provision of Gaelic Medium Education at Millbank Primary School; and
(ii) in order that locally based consultation could commence, consultation papers be drawn up for the consideration of the Nairnshire Area Committee, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

15.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION ON THE REVIEW OF DELINEATED AREAS OF FARR/STRATHERRICK PRIMARY SCHOOLS

There had been circulated Report No ECS75/05 dated 1 November 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport informing Members on the outcome of the statutory consultation undertaken in connection with a proposal to alter the delineated areas of Farr Primary School and Stratherrick Primary School.  

The Committee AGREED that the boundary between the delineated areas of Farr Primay School and Stratherrick Primary School be moved south westwards and that the new boundary be on a line southwards from Craig Ruthven to the River Nairn, along the River Nairn and Allt Mor and continued on to join the existing boundary line between the Stratherrick and Strathdearn delineated areas.

16.

17.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

The Committee RESOLVED that under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public be excluded from the meeting for discussion of the following items on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

18.

INVERNESS AQUADOME – MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Mr N Clark declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Board member of Caledonia Community Leisure Ltd and left the room.  Mr A M Millar declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Board member of Loch Ness and Highland Horizons Ltd and took no part in discussion or voting.

There had been circulated Report No ECS76/05 dated 28 October 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which reviewed the performance of Caledonia Community Leisure Limited in its operation of Inverness Sports Centre and Aquadome, compared to other similar leisure facilities, and detailed options for the future operation of the facility.

While generally accepting the recommendation, Members felt that the High Life Scheme should be extended throughout the Sports Centre and Aquadome.  There was little risk involved and the scheme had proved particularly successful in other leisure facilities in the Highlands and should be introduced at an early stage.

Accordingly, the Committee AGREED that:-

(i) Caledonia Community Leisure Limited be asked to enter into a further three year agreement with the Council for the operation of the facilities at Inverness Sports Centre and Aquadome from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2009;
(ii) the funding agreement be set at a fixed level (no inflationary increase) of £900,000 per annum;
(iii) a service level agreement be negotiated between the Highland Council and Caledonia Community Leisure Limited to ensure that service delivery meets the Council’s objectives; and
(iv) the new service level agreement require Caledonia Community Leisure Limited to introduce the Highlife Scheme during the first year of the new agreement across its full operation.

19.

EIGG PRIMARY SCHOOL - REFURBISHMENT AND EXTENSION OF SCHOOLHOUSE

In terms of Standing Order 13.2, Mr C King had applied for and been granted a local Member vote.  However, Mr King, Dr M E M Foxley and Mr N Clark declared a non-financial interest in this item as Board members of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust and were not present during discussion.

There had been circulated Report No ECS77/05 dated 1 November 2005 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport regarding the tenders which were invited for the refurbishment and extension of the existing schoolhouse at Eigg Primary School to provide nursery and office accommodation on the ground floor and a three bedroom flat on the first floor.  The flat was to be transferred to Lochaber Housing Association on completion but would be occupied by the Head Teacher.

Having been advised of the financial and technical assessment of the project, the Committee NOTED the content of the report and AGREED to authorise the Directors of Education, Culture and Sport, Property and Architectural Services and Finance, in consultation with the Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, to award the contract to Eigg Construction Limited  for the sum of £309,917 once satisfied that:-

(i) a Contract Bond was in place;
(ii) Lochaber Housing Association contribution was confirmed; and
(iii) appropriate staged payment mechanisms were in place that were directly associated with contract progress.

The meeting ended at 2.45 p.m., the Committee having adjourned for lunch at 1.15 p.m. and reconvened at 2.00 p.m.