Athlete Travel Award Scheme

2022-23 Athlete Travel Award Scheme

Applications open 17 August 2022

The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme allows Athletes from the Outer Hebrides the opportunity to benefit from the program designed to support travel costs in the islands.

The aim of this scheme is to help elite pathway athletes of the Highlands & Islands to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities available on the mainland.

On review of the 2021/22 application process, it was agreed that having two rounds of applications for the 2022/23 period will best serve the athletes of the Outer Hebrides.

Athletes are now invited to apply for the 2nd round of applications for the period October 2022 - March 2023. Athletes who applied for the 1st application (April - September 2022) can also apply for this round, as long as they can provide evidence to support their application.

Candidates in the Outer Hebrides can apply for sums up to £750 per application and could be awarded up to £1500 if successful on both occasions. The amount they receive if successful will be based on a number of criteria in the application process including their forecasted Competition and Training schedule, understanding of the Sports Performance Pathway and National Rankings.

Awards will be allocated through an application process, with athletes required to evidence how the grant will improve their performance, provide them with increased access to quality training opportunities and improve their sports or club environment.

Sportscotland has allocated each of the three local authorities £10k, with the Councils then required to top this up with £2k of their own funding plus the equivalent of £3k of management and administrative time.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive, sportscotland, said: "This has been an incredibly challenging period for Scottish sport but athletes and coaches have shown real resilience and commitment in finding ways to continue their training during the pandemic.  "We recognise the specific challenges faced by island athletes, especially at this time, so it's important to be flexible in how we provide support for the Athlete Travel Award Scheme.  By working in partnership with the councils in Highland & Islands we can deliver services locally through support from the sportscotland institute of sport in the Outer Hebrides, while providing additional support to allow talented athletes to travel to competitions and progress in their chosen sport."  "It's fantastic to hear of the athletes who have benefitted from awards in the past and we look forward to working with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to support more island athletes."

Councillor Paul Steele, Chairman of the Education, Sport and Children's Services Committee said: "The Athlete Travel Award Scheme has been a fantastic addition to the support the Comhairle is able to provide our elite athletes. The feedback from previous applicants has been very encouraging and I would anticipate a high level of applicants for this year's grants, particularly as athletes return to competitive sport."  "Sportscotland has become a valued partner over the years in our efforts to encourage our young people to get involved in sport and activities, and we are delighted that they have agreed to continue their support of this scheme."

The scheme opens for applications from Wednesday 17th August. A Panel review of the applications will follow at which time athletes will be identified for support by each local authority.

To find out more about the scheme contact the Community Sports Hub Officer for Lewis & Harris:  

Euan Macleod (Lewis & Harris)

e-mail: euan-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk