2020-21 Athlete Travel Award Scheme

The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme allows up to 8 Elite 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 the elite athletes of the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities available on the mainland.

Eight individuals in the Outer Hebrides will receive £1,500 per person. The scheme has been available for applications for the 2020-21 financial year since Monday 9th December 2019.

Awards will be allocated through an application process, with athletes required to evidence how the grant will improve their performance, provide them 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: "At sportscotland we recognise the specific challenges faced by island athletes. That's why we are delighted to continue support for the Island Athlete Travel Scheme, in partnership with the island councils. By working together we can deliver services locally through 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 that the athletes who received awards last year have benefitted and we look forward to working with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to support more island athletes."

Councillor Angus McCormack, 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 the first year has been very encouraging and I would anticipate a high level of applicants for this year's grants."

"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."

Following an application and selection process, athletes will be identified for support by each local authority.  

Application forms have been available since Monday 9th December 2019 on the CNES website. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 14th February. To find out more about the scheme contact the Community Sports Hub Officer for your area: -

Kevin Morrison (Uist & Barra) - tel: 01870 603693; email: kevin.morrison@cne-siar.gov.uk

Euan Macleod (Lewis & Harris) - tel: 01851 822800; email: euan-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk 

ISL ADMIN TEAM

Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais

Stornoway

Isle of Lewis

HS1 2PZ

Tel: 01851 822800

Email: nataliya.nedkova@cne-siar.gov.uk