Athlete Travel Award Scheme
Support for Orkney athletes to compete and train at the highest levels.
Applications are currently closed.
The next application window opens in February 2026. Check back here for exact dates, or contact the Active Schools team to be notified when applications open.
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What is this scheme?
The Athlete Travel Award Scheme helps performance athletes from Orkney with travel and accommodation costs for training and competition.
Whether you're aiming for national selection, Commonwealth Games representation, or competing professionally, this scheme can help you get there.
Funded by: sportscotland, Stagecoach and Orkney Islands Council
Who can apply?
You can apply if you:
- Live in Orkney
- Compete in a sportscotland recognised sport
- Are working towards one of these goals:
- National age group or open representation
- Commonwealth Games selection
- GB World Class programme selection (Olympic/Paralympic sports)
- Medal success at the International Island Games
- Competing on a professional sporting pathway
Your coach should be involved in your application and will need to support your goals.
Already received funding? You can apply again. We support athletes across multiple years as you progress.
What we fund
We can fund:
- Travel costs to training camps, competitions and trials
- Accommodation for overnight stays
- Ferry and flight costs to and from Orkney
- Costs for coaches or support staff travelling with you (where necessary)
We don't fund:
- Sports equipment or kit
- Club membership fees or subscriptions
- Coaching fees
- Entry fees for competitions
- Medical or physiotherapy costs
- Vehicle costs or fuel for personal cars
How much can you get?
Award amounts vary depending on your training and competition schedule. There's no fixed maximum, but you'll need to provide:
- A detailed schedule of training camps and competitions
- Estimated costs for travel and accommodation
- Evidence of your performance level and goals
The panel assesses each application individually based on your sport, level of competition, and development pathway.
How to apply
- Talk to your coach - Discuss your goals and get their support
- Plan your schedule - Map out competitions and training for the year
- Estimate your costs - Work out travel and accommodation expenses
- Complete the application - Include your goals and supporting evidence
- Submit before the deadline - Sunday 2 March 2025 at midnight
What to include:
- Your sporting goals for the year ahead
- Your competition and training schedule
- Cost breakdown for travel and accommodation
- Supporting statement from your coach
- Evidence of current performance level (recent results, selection letters, rankings)
Need help with your application?
Contact the Active Schools team before you submit. We can help you work out what to include and make sure your application is as strong as possible.
What happens next?
After you apply:
- Your application is reviewed by a panel
- You'll be notified of the decision
- If successful, you'll have a review meeting to discuss your schedule and goals
- We'll agree monitoring points throughout the year
- You'll submit evidence of expenditure as you go
Review meetings:
These aren't tests - they're opportunities to check in on progress, adjust plans if needed, and make sure the funding is working for you. Missing a meeting without letting us know could affect your funding.
If your circumstances change:
Moving to university? Goals shifting? Let us know. We want to support you where you are.
Unsuccessful applications
Not every application can be funded. If yours isn't successful this time:
- You'll receive feedback on your application
- You can apply again in future rounds
- Previous unsuccessful applications don't rule you out
- Contact us to discuss how to strengthen a future application
Get in touch
Active Schools Team
Orkney Islands Council
School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY
Phone: 01856 873535
Email: [insert appropriate email]
We're here to help. If you're not sure whether to apply, or you want advice on your application, get in touch.
