Support for young athletes with travel awards

Talented athletes from across the Highlands are being supported through the latest round of the Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS), delivered through a partnership between sportscotland and High Life Highland.

Featured in the second round of funding for 2025 are 16 talented Highland athletes competing at regional, national, and international level in sports including cricket, swimming, orienteering, ski-ing and golf. As well as financial assistance to help with travel expenses, athletes get access to highlife facilities across the region to allow them to focus on their fitness and strength with a view to gaining podium places in their chosen sport.

The national scheme – which was set up in 2020 – is funded by sportscotland and administered by High Life Highland. It is designed to help performance level athletes living within the Highland area who face considerable travel costs for training and competitions, often out with the region.

Among the successful applicants for ATAS funding is cricketer Mollie Parker from Dingwall. Mollie – a first time recipient – plays for the 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, Olly March is also receiving ATAS support for the first time. A talented Park and Pipe Freestyle skier, Olly is attending his first FIS competition in the Netherlands this winter after picking up podium finishes at both the English and Scottish championships.

Olly commented: “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 gained a place in the Scottish National Junior Team for 2026 following success in the pool during 2025. He said: “2025 has been an exceptional year, qualifying for the National Junior Team and British level competitions are such highlights. The support received from the sportscotland and the Highlands and Island PDP programme contributed greatly to me exceeding my goals this year.

“Receiving ATAS funding further supports me, my parents and everyone involved in my journey. Living so far North provides challenges with competitions and training opportunities across the country.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support from High Life Highland and sportscotland.”

Golfer Fraser Brown from Nairn also features on the list – he is a member of both the Scotland Under 16 and Under 18 squads. Also Charlotte Rose Burton, a member of the Inverness Orienteering Club, is receiving support to enable her to represent Great Britian at the Junior European Cup and the Junior Home International.

High Life Highland’s Head of Sports Development Darren Reid said: “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. Their achievements continue to bring pride to the region and help to raise the profile of the Highlands on the national and international stage. We extend our best wishes for their continued success.

“The Athlete Travel Award Scheme plays a significant role in enabling this support, and we are sincerely grateful to sportscotland for their valuable contribution.”

ATAS supports travel costs for talented athletes from the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and Highland to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities.

The full list of Highland ATAS recipients is below: