Champion fencer and record-breaking teenager among six to benefit from athlete travel funds
A RECORD-breaking teenager, a national champion fencer and one of Shetland’s most decorated distance runners will receive funding to travel to more competitions this year.
Six athletes from the isles are set to benefit from the athlete travel award scheme (ATAS) for the next year, which will provide money for them to travel to and from training and events.
Among them are 17-year-old Layla Todd, who recently broke the Shetland 5K record, and fencer Mhairi Gifford – who won the women’s epee gold at the Scottish Senior Open in Stirling late last year.
Whalsay runner Michelle Sandison, whose own 5K record tumbled to Todd, is also included on the list. She owns the Shetland 10k record and is heading to Orkney this July to represent Shetland at the Island Games.
Hockey player Hannah Williamson, netballer Ella Johnson and Connor Burgess (table tennis) are the other three recipients of this year’s awards.
The scheme, which is in its eighth year, helps athletes from rural and remote communities have the same access to training and competitions as those on the mainland.
ATAS is funded by sportscotland and local councils in Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles and Highland.
Successful athletes can benefit from up to £1,500 from the programme, with 41 athletes across 22 sports set to share a total of £70,868 between them this year.
With the Orkney Island Games fast approaching this July, it is set to be a big year for athletes from island communities.
Chief executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said they recognised the difficulties athletes from islands like Shetland faced.
“ATAS is a key programme in helping to support athletes with those specific challenges,” he said.
“This is an exciting time for sport in our island communities. Orkney 2025 will be a historic occasion and a wonderful chance for local athletes to compete at a home multi-sport event.”
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