Sixteen young athletes from across the Highlands are celebrating new support through the latest round of the Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme, delivered in partnership between sportscotland and High Life Highland.
The scheme, which helps performance-level athletes offset the high cost of travel for training and competition, provides both financial assistance and access to highlife fitness facilities across the region.
Athletes from a range of disciplines including cricket, swimming, skiing, golf, and orienteering are among the 2025 recipients, all competing at regional, national, and international level.
Among them is cricketer Mollie Parker from Dingwall, who plays for Northern Counties Cricket Club and has recently been selected for the Scotland Women’s Team.
Mollie said:
“This funding support is such a bonus for me.
“My parents drive me all over the UK for cricket trainings and matches and this funding will help me get to even more.
“The added bonus of access to highlife facilities for indoor training is also amazing as the Highland winter restricts my cricket training greatly.
“I have already begun using sauna facilities to prepare for my next cricket trip to Thailand with the National Women’s Team.”
From Boat of Garten, freestyle skier Olly March is also receiving ATAS support for the first time.
After podium finishes at the English and Scottish championships, he will attend his first FIS competition in the Netherlands this winter.
Olly said:
“I’m really grateful to be supported by High Life Highland and the Athlete Travel Award Scheme.
“Their help will make a big difference as I compete in Park and Pipe events across Europe this winter.”
Swimmer Nebi Senguler from Wick has earned a place in the Scottish National Junior Team for 2026 following a year of strong performances.
“Living so far north provides challenges with competitions and training opportunities across the country,” he said.
“Receiving ATAS funding further supports me, my parents and everyone involved in my journey.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support from High Life Highland and sportscotland.”
Other Highland recipients include golfer Fraser Brown from Nairn, a member of both the Scotland Under 16 and Under 18 squads, and Charlotte Rose Burton from Inverness Orienteering Club, who will represent Great Britain at the Junior European Cup and Junior Home International.
High Life Highland’s Head of Sports Development Darren Reid said the scheme continues to make a real difference for Highland athletes competing on the national and international stage.
“High Life Highland remains committed to supporting our talented athletes, ensuring they have the best possible opportunities to excel in their chosen sports at the highest levels of competition,” he said.
“Their achievements continue to bring pride to the region and help to raise the profile of the Highlands.
“The Athlete Travel Award Scheme plays a significant role in enabling this support, and we are sincerely grateful to sportscotland for their valuable contribution.”
The Athlete Travel Award Scheme supports athletes from Highland, Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides, helping to ensure that distance and travel costs do not hold back young talent from reaching their full potential.
