MRes project: Evaluating the impact of the sportscotland Highlands & Islands Performance Development Programme using survey-based research and interviews.

Key objectives of the Highlands and Islands Performance Development Programme (PDP) have been to empower athletes to maximise their potential through a fully integrated network of local support and facility access, improving athlete performances from Highland & Islands Athletes with the long-term aspiration of targeting greater representation at Scottish and GB level.

Sportscotland desire to know how PDP has influenced performance pathways across the Highlands and Islands. In order to achieve the desired outcome, this process evaluation project will involve athletes, parents/guardians and sportscotland specialist support staff delivering to athletes on the PDP. The evaluation will address inclusivity within PDP, the geographical challenges associated with delivering the Highlands and Islands PDP and engagement with local partners, Scottish Governing Bodies and the sportscotland Institute of Sport.

This project is led by Mr Gordon Mowat (MRes student), who has received funding from sportscotland. See Gordon's student profile here: https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/research-enterprise/res-themes/health/biomedical-sciences/active-health/active-health-exercise-lab/staff/.