Athlete Travel Award Scheme Profile – Finlay Scott

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

• Name: Finlay Scott
• Age: 19
• Sport: Squash

What inspired you to take up your sport?

There was an open day at the squash courts when they had newly been opened at the Pickaquoy Centre. I was at a football competition representing the Orkney football team in the under 11s age group and a lot of the boys said they were going along so I decided to go along as well and I immediately was attached to the sport. As I got more into the sport watching some of the more experienced players in Orkney such as Adam Stanger and Ian Stout, seeing how they played it looked fun and intense. It definitely inspired me to play more. 

Best achievement this ATAS year?

Representing Scotland at the World Junior Championships in Nancy, France, this was something I had always dreamed about doing and was something that I had always been working towards. By going there it makes me even more motivated to try get to do it again! 

What does ATAS support mean to you?

The scheme goes a long way to helping me achieve my goals. When it comes to travelling down to competitions and Scotland training on the mainland, travel and accommodation can get quite pricey. This goes a long way and means that I am able to go to more training and competitions. I’ve also been lucky enough to be supported by Kirkwall Squash and Racketball Club, the Pickaquoy Centre and my family, this sort of support really helps to ensure that I am able to use the best facilities possible and it means I never miss out on any important events. 

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.