A travel funding scheme designed to support talented Highland athletes with the cost of training and competition travel is now open for applications.
Athletes across the Highlands are being encouraged to apply to the Athlete Travel Award Scheme, known as ATAS, which offers financial help to reduce the burden of travelling long distances to train and compete.
The scheme is delivered through a partnership between sportscotland and High Life Highland, with successful applicants able to receive up to £750 towards travel costs.
In addition to travel support, athletes awarded funding will also receive free access to High Life Highland facilities, allowing them to focus on fitness, conditioning and recovery.
ATAS is aimed at performance level athletes living within the Highland area who often face significant costs travelling outwith the region to access training environments and competitive opportunities.
Since its launch in 2020, the scheme has supported athletes from a wide range of sports including golf, snowboarding, running, surfing, gymnastics, cycling, rowing and basketball.
High Life Highland’s Head of Sports Development Darren Reid said the scheme recognised the unique challenges faced by athletes living in the region.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with sportscotland to deliver this initiative and would encourage performance athletes living in Highland to apply.
“We recognise that developing as a performance athlete in the Highlands does have it challenges and hope this fund can help reduce the cost barriers in some way.”
Reid said the organisation was committed to backing athletes with ambition and potential.
“At High Life Highland we are 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.
“We are very proud of all Highland athletes who represent the area and are delighted to be able to play a small part in their success.”
Previous recipients of ATAS funding include swimmer Nebi Senguler, who recently returned from competing in Geneva as part of the Scottish swimming squad.
The scheme has also supported five time Scottish Women’s Surfing Champion Pheobe Strachan from Caithness and Ross-shire cricketer Mollie Parker, who was recently selected for the Scotland Women’s Team.
ATAS provides support for athletes travelling from Highland, the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, helping improve access to national and international level development pathways.
Applications for the current round of funding are now open, with a closing date of Sunday 1st March 2026.
Please go Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme – Sport for more information.
