Caithness surf trio among 17 athletes to benefit from Highland travel scheme
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Three surfers from Caithness are among those who have received funding from the Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme to help them realise their potential and compete in events.
The initiative, set up in 2020, is funded by SportScotland and administered through High Life Highland (HLH) to assist athletes to train and compete outwith the Highlands.
This year’s scheme was launched at an event in Inverness attended by Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch, and Strathspey, and Kate Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, as well as representatives from HLH, Highland Council and SportScotland.
It marked the start of a year’s funding and support for 17 athletes including Mark Boyd, Craig McLachlan and Phoebe Strachan from Thurso-based North Shore Surf Club.
Others from the Highlands being supported by the scheme are sisters Abigail and Sophie Barrie (badminton), Summer Elliott (golf), Alfie Kinsella (rugby), Zack Paton (squash), Oliver Stewart (motorsport), Baileigh Matte (basketball), Aimi Kenyon (mountain biking), Oliver Bull (sailing), Lucas Cairns (running), Mara Duffy (hockey), Ross Gollan (mountain running), Emily Rothney (snowboarding) and James Slimon (cross-country skiing).
Ms Forbes said: “I was hugely impressed by the young athletes I met. They personify determination and drive. We are exceptionally proud of their achievements in the Highlands.
“I hope to see many more young athletes follow in their footsteps, performing at the highest possible level nationally and internationally.”
Mr Hendry said: “I’m delighted that the scheme is running again this year, to support our future sports stars here in the Highlands. Athletes here should have every opportunity to achieve their goals and ambitions, and this scheme will help them do exactly that.
“It was fantastic to be at the launch, and I very much look forward to seeing the positive impact that this scheme will have. These athletes are brilliant role models for young people across the Highlands, and it’s great to see them being supported through the work of High Life Highland and SportScotland."
Highland Council vice-convener Ken Gowans said: “I was pleased to attend the launch of this important funding scheme that will see young athletes financially supported with their travel costs around the country. These future sports performers were inspirational and, considering the successes they have already achieved, they are excellent role models to other young people across the Highlands.”
HLH has also awarded all scheme athletes free High Life membership.
