2022 Athlete Travel Award Scheme Profile – Fraser Burton

This year 11 local athletes are benefiting from the sportscotland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS). The Scheme is an ongoing partnership between sportscotland and the participating local authorities in Highlands & Islands - Orkney Islands, Western Isles, Shetland Islands and Highlands Councils.

Orkney Islands Council are extremely grateful to also have a partnership with Stagecoach which allows us to enhance and extend our programme in Orkney.

Take a look here to find out more about what this means to Fraser  -

Name: Fraser Burton 

Age: 16 

Sport: Swimming 

Main events: 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle , 400 freestyle , 50 breaststroke  and 100 breaststroke 

What inspired you to take up your sport?

I’ve been doing swimming for as long as I can remember. Having the people around me throughout my career has kept me inspired to get better and try and compete at a high standard. I also have been pushed on to try and become the best athlete I can be by my mum and dad, they have kept me inspired and helped me through thick and thin. So, I have to say thank you to them. 

Best achievement this ATAS year?

Competing at the Junior Inter County for Orkney has to top it. The noise and atmosphere on poolside and by the spectators was like nothing I have ever heard. Winning my 100m breaststroke race topped it off for me, hitting a new personal best of 1.13.00s and hearing the crowd erupt when I finished, nothing could beat it.

What does ATAS support mean to you?

Having the continuous support from local business, through the Council and through my club Orkney Amateur Swimming Club has been incredibly important and I can’t thank everyone enough who has helped me get to where I am today. Thank you.