South Ayrshire Council is to take the lead in establishing new management arrangements for the Burns an ‘a’ That Festival in future years.

Following a meeting of the Council’s Policy and Resources Convener and Vice Convener’s Sub-Committee, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill said: “There has been much discussion in recent months as to the best way to progress the future management of the Festival.

“The Council is committed to the ‘Burns an’ a’ That Festival’ and to securing its future development as an international, high profile event. It is therefore vital to establish a dedicated, professional, organisation and management team to progress the event in future years.

“A representative of the Council will play an active role on the Board of a new Limited Company that will be formed.

“I would like to reassure people in South Ayrshire that the Council will not be underwriting this project, and no additional resources will be required. However, there will be a one-off cost of approximately £2,000 to establish the new company, with this cost being met jointly by the partners of the Board.”

Consultants were engaged by Scottish Enterprise and Ayrshire and Arran Tourist Board, which has now been replaced by Visitscotland, to recommend a new structure to manage the Burns an ‘a’ That Festival. Full consultation was undertaken with all organisations that have an interest in the Festival and a number of focus groups took place.

A report was compiled that concluded the most appropriate way would be a single purpose Limited Company, which would seek charitable status, and be led by the public sector, namely the Council.

The report was submitted to the Council’s Policy and Resources Convener and Vice Convener’s Sub-Committee for their consideration. Having considered the report, taken independent legal advice and fully discussed the detailed implications, officers of the major funding organisations and the Committee have concluded that establishing a Limited Company would be the best option.

The major funders would hold the shareholding of the company, but the Board would be able to be expanded at the discretion of the major funders, to include other stakeholders.

The appointment of a full time Director will be progressed, with competitive tendering of the production, which should in turn produce improved financial efficiencies.

The Committee has authorised the Council’s Chief Executive, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Administration and the Head of Finance and ICT to agree the detailed constitution of the Company to ensure that it operates efficiently and protects the interests of the Council and its Members.

May 2005