Royal National Mod - Oban Funding Request
Argyll and Bute Council · 23 November 2023
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 23 November 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 23 NOVEMBER 2023 ROYAL NATIONAL MOD OBAN OCTOBER 2024 – FINANCIAL REQUEST 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Royal National Mòd (RNM) will take place from 11th - 19th October 2024 in Oban, where the very first RNM took place in 1892. Oban is often referred to as the cradle of the Mòd as a consequence. The Council is supporting the RNM in recognition of, its cultural and educational significance of supporting the development of the Gaelic language and the provision of local national Mòds, the boost this gives to the local economy and business including the tourism sector. The estimated economic impact of the Oban RNM in 2015 was £2.5m and the Dunoon RNM in 2018 was £2m, therefore a significant economic impact is expected for Oban 2024. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that Council: i. Consider and agree a financial resource of up to £25,000 to Live Argyll to provide staffing for the use of Corran Halls for the duration of the RNM to be funded from the unallocated general fund. ii. Consider and agree the additional funding request of up to a maximum of £20,000 to An Comunn to be funded from the unallocated general fund. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 A Service Level Agreement (SLA) with An Comunn Gaidhealach (An Commun), who deliver the RNM, is in place for £120,000 and to date £100,000 has been paid out as a contribution for delivery of the RNM in Oban 2024. The remaining £20,000 is due to be paid out this year and is still to be drawn down
Page 2
by An Comunn. The SLA also states that ‘Council, working with Live Argyll, will secure the use of the Corran Halls for the duration of the RNM in 2024 at no cost to the RNM’. Representatives from Customer Services Department discussed this with Live Argyll who confirmed that the venue use will be free of charge however the Council will need to set aside up to £25,000 for staffing at the Corran Halls. In order to claim this money Live Argyll will be required to submit evidence for scrutiny by officers. 3.2 In addition An Comunn have raised the issue of rising costs, including accommodation, which have led to a significant increase in their budget since the SLA was agreed. These costs cannot be met within their current budget. They have therefore submitted a request for £20,000 to contribute to these. They are also exploring other sources of funding to help with this deficit including HIE and Bòrd na Gàidhlig and a decision on these is expected in January 2024. Should these be successful the full amount of £20,000 may not be required however costs provided for this report are by necessity at this stage, indicative, and may continue to rise. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 The Council recognises the importance of the RNM in Oban in 2024 and as such has an SLA in place to support this. This was agreed in 2019 by Policy and Resources Committee however as the RNM approaches, Live Argyll have identified a requirement of up to £25,000 for staffing of the Corran Halls, whilst providing the venue for free. In addition, a rise in costs since 2019 has resulted in An Comunn requesting additional funding of £20,000. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy - The provision of support to the RNM fits with the Council’s Gaelic Plan and specifically the Council recognises the cultural and educational significance of supporting the development of the Gaelic language and the provision of local and national Mods. 5.2 Financial - An SLA for £120,000 over five years and in-kind support for venues and staffing was agreed by Council however budget needs to be identified to cover the Live Argyll staffing element of up to £25,000. A further funding request from An Comunn for £20,000 to meet rising costs. 5.3 Legal – An SLA is in place. 5.4 HR – Resources from existing staff. 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty 5.5.1 Equalities-protected characteristics - An Commun and Live Argyll are required to comply with relevant equalities regulations. 5.5.2 Socio-Economic Duty – None.
Page 3
5.5.3 Islands – RNM promotes the use of Gaelic across our islands and mainland. 5.6 Climate Change – None. 5.7 Risk – An Comunn have an experienced track record of delivering the RNM. 5.8 Customer Service – None. Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Strategic Development October 2023 For further information contact: Audrey Martin, Transformational Projects and Regeneration Manager, Transformation Projects and Regeneration Arlene Cullum, Senior Economic Regeneration Officer, Transformational Projects and Regeneration