The Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS) supports travel costs for Highland and island competitors to help talented athletes from the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and Highland to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities available on the mainland. Successful applicants benefit from up to £1,500 to support travel and accommodation costs in attending training and competitions.
The overall standard of applicants is consistently very high and this guide to frequently asked questions should help you to prepare your application. Please read this to help you complete your application and get in touch with your ATAS facilitator if you have further questions.
ATAS Facilitators:
Orkney: Elaine Harcus - Elaine.Harcus@orkney.gov.uk
Lewis & Harris: Euan Macleod - Euan-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk
Uist & Barra: Euan Macleod - Euan-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk
Shetland: Jack Clubb - jack.clubb@shetland.gov.uk
Highland (North): Katie Matthews - katie.matthews@highlifehighland.com
Highland (South): Hugo Crush - hugo.crush@highlifehighland.com
Pre-application guidance
Can I get advice and help on what I need to include in the application prior to submission?
Yes, please contact your local ATAS facilitator who will be happy to talk you through the process.
I was turned down for ATAS funding previously, can I apply again?
Yes, you are welcome to re-apply. Please check that you meet the eligibility criteria and if so, then please apply.
I previously received ATAS funding and achieved all my goals but was unsuccessful last year, should I still apply this time?
Yes, you are welcome to re-apply. It’s a very competitive scheme and the standard of application is rising each year so to be consistent and fair to all applicants, we do not take any previous grant applications into account, successful or otherwise.
Please ensure you fill in the form to the best of your abilities based on your latest information rather than relying on your previous application. Remember your local ATAS facilitator will be happy to provide help and advice with your application.
I received ATAS funding last year but didn’t achieve all my goals – can I still apply?
Yes, you are welcome to apply again. To ensure consistency and to be fair to all applicants we look at the applications on a year to year basis and do not take previous applications into consideration.
I’m planning on applying to University on the mainland during the period of the Grant Award, can I still apply to ATAS?
Yes, but please refer to the eligibility guidelines before completing your application to ensure that you still meet the criteria. Your local ATAS facilitator will be happy to help.
Can I apply again if I have already received ATAS funding and how many times can I do so?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply as many times as you want. We do
not take past applications into account, whether they were successful or not.
Application guidance
Can I send in attachments to support my application?
Unfortunately, we can’t accept attachments, with the exception of your training schedule. Please ensure that you include all of your information in the application form. Your ATAS facilitator can provide advice and guidance, if required.
Can my coach / parent apply on my behalf?
Yes, they can if the application has been led by you and you are fully involved throughout the process.
Can I submit supporting statements?
Supporting statements are not required with the initial application form. We will contact your coach directly, once you have given us permission to do so.
What happens next?
Does everyone who applies get an award?
We receive a high number of applications each year and the standard is very high. This is a competitive process and only a small number of applicants will be successful. However, if you are not successful on this occasion, we would encourage you to apply again next year, provided you still meet the criteria.
Can I appeal the decision?
The decision taken by the panel is final, however, we are happy to provide feedback and clarification on how the decision was reached. Please contact your ATAS facilitator for more information.
What happens if I don’t achieve my goals / targets?
We will review your progress at quarterly intervals and will discuss your goals and targets with you at these points.
Can I include more goals for each year?
We are only looking for your priority goals which will be agreed as part of the application process. These should be: S(pecific) M(easurable) A(chievable) R(elevant) T(ime-bound) goals. Please do not add any additional goals.
What happens if I miss my six-monthly review meeting?
Reviewing progress is an important part of the scheme to ensure that you are getting the right support. If you do not attend your review meeting, we will not be able to assess your progress and therefore will be unable to release the remainder of the funds.
Am I guaranteed to receive £1,500.00 once I have been granted the funding?
As part of the application process you will have signed up to specific goals which will be discussed with you at your six-monthly review and measured against your interim goals. Progress against these will determine how much more of the funding you will receive.
Do I need to detail my expenditure?
While we don’t need you to submit receipts, we do expect you to keep a log of all travel
and accommodation for the year in line with your application.
Does my coach need to be involved?
Yes, we expect coaches to be engaged throughout the process. We know that the scheme is most successful where coaches and athletes have both been part of the interim review process.