Carrbridge’s rising snowboard star Emily Rothey has secured a place in Team GB for the upcoming Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in Georgia.
The 16-year-old, who has been turning heads on the European circuit this season, will compete in Slopestyle and Big Air at the festival in Bakuriani next month, running from 9th to 16th February.
Emily’s rapid progression has been supported by the Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS), a funding initiative run by sportscotland and High Life Highland to help promising athletes overcome the significant travel costs associated with elite competition and training.
Reacting to her Team GB selection, Emily said:
“I am really excited to be part of Team GB and hugely grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as an athlete.
“I am forever thankful for all the support I have received.”
Emily isn’t the only ATAS-backed athlete making waves.
Ross County Athletics Club runner Andrew Baird has also earned national recognition, securing a spot to represent Scotland in the U20 category at the Home Countries International and Celtic Nations Cross Country in Yorkshire on 8th February.

Speaking about his selection, Andrew said:
“My ATAS funding has allowed me to travel for competitions and training across Britain.
“The opportunities to compete at higher levels have helped me achieve better performances, resulting in my Scotland selection.
“I’m really looking forward to representing Scotland at Leeds.”
High Life Highland’s Head of Sport Development, Darren Reid, praised the achievements of both athletes:
“Everyone at High Life Highland is absolutely delighted for Emily.
“Getting her Team GB call-up is an extremely proud moment.
“And a massive congratulations to Andrew on his selection to represent Scotland at the Home Countries International.
“We are wishing them both the very best of luck.”
Reid also highlighted the role of the ATAS programme in supporting Highland talent:
“At High Life Highland, we continue to support our athletes to ensure they have the best opportunities to compete at the highest level.
“They are all doing the region proud and putting the Highlands on the map.”
The next round of ATAS funding applications opens on 3rd February, inviting talented athletes from the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides to apply for support.
The initiative, launched in 2020, helps athletes access essential training and competitive opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach due to travel barriers.
For more details on how to apply, visit the Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme page