2022 Athlete Travel Award Scheme Profile – Jamie Sutherland

Orkney’s Jamie Sutherland is one of 11 local athletes benefiting from the sportscotland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS) this year.

• Name: Jamie Sutherland
• Age: 15 
• Sport: javelin
• Club: Orkney Athletic and Running Club.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

I joined Orkney Athletic Club when I was 9 and tried multiple events including cricket ball throw. Once I reached the U13 age group I was allowed to try javelin and was inspired by watching the older athletes train and compete. 

Best achievement this ATAS year?

Qualifying to compete for the first time at Junior Inter County in men’s javelin and finishing in first place following a huge PB on the final throw. Also medalling in U17 Male Javelin at the Scottish Athletics National Age Group Championships in Aberdeen.

What does ATAS support mean to you?

Having support from ATAS has allowed me to take part in a number of competitions throughout Scotland which has given me a huge amount of experience competing against a wider group of throwers. This experience will help me to develop and work towards my goals of competing for Orkney in the 2025 Island Games and to get a Scotland vest.

Without the support from ATAS, Orkney Athletic and Running Club, NorthLink Ferries and Holm Community Council it wouldn’t be possible for me to travel to these competitions.

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