Scott calls for sports fund

THE SCOTTISH Government will look into setting up a fund to help athletes from rural areas like Shetland travel to the mainland for competitions and training, according to sports minister Aileen Campbell.

Isles MSP Tavish Scott raised the issue at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday as he called on the government to support rural sports people by contributing to travel costs.

In response, Campbell said there are “ongoing discussions” to “work out what further action can be taken to help out island competitors”.

She has also offered to meet Scott to discuss the proposal further.

Speaking after his question in parliament, the Shetland MSP said that some island athletes miss out on competing at a higher level because of the cost of travelling to the Scottish mainland.

He added that national body SportScotland are supportive of the idea.

“We have some exceptionally talented athletes in Shetland. In order to compete at a national level they and their families spend hundreds of pounds but for some, this cost is just too much,” Scott said.

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“I want to see the Scottish Government create a fund for athletes from island and rural communities to create a level playing field in competition. It was encouraging to hear that this is being considered and I look forward to meeting the sports minister to make this happen.

“Sportscotland’s chief executive Stuart Harris, a great friend of Shetland sport, has been very supportive. What we need to do now is turn all this into an actual scheme that helps athletes from the islands.”