A northern isles MSP has demanded cash from Chancellor George Osborne’s controversial new sugar tax be used to fund transport for rural sports teams.
Tavish Scott said a “small proportion” of the money raised would make a “huge difference” for teams who face prohibitively expensive journeys to tournaments.
The Shetland MSP has written to Finance Secretary John Swinney about the plans and has also sought backing from SportScotland.
Independent experts estimate that about £43million of the money raised from the sugar tax will be given to the Scottish Government through the Barnett Formula.
Last night, the Scottish Government said it was willing to “look at any constructive ideas” for how the money could be spent.
Mr Scott said: “The new tax income is to be spent on school sports in England. So I want to encourage the Scottish Government to invest in our young sports stars of the future.
“The biggest challenge in Shetland is the high cost of travelling to the Scottish mainland for competitions. Without sponsorship, it is prohibitively expensive.
“Parents face the full cost of taking their talented youngsters south and that is a huge commitment in time and money.
“So I want the income from the sugar tax in Scotland to be used to help. This tax may mean £43million for Scotland.
“A small proportion of that would make a huge difference to travel costs for Shetland sports teams and individuals.
“I have written to John Swinney to highlight the benefits of an islands sports travel scheme to help all Scotland’s islands where our young athletes are disadvantaged by cost and geography.
“This may be a chance to create something genuinely positive and I want to encourage the Scottish Government to be positive too.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are always looking for ways to promote sport in all parts of Scotland.
“We have seen a massive investment in school sport, including £50million in Active Schools between 2015-19 and a significant investment in facilities over the past 10 years, with £24million invested in 2015-16 for a National Performance Centre for Sport.
“We are, however, conscious of the challenges competitors from Scotland’s island and remote communities face. That’s why we will always look at any constructive ideas.
“Ministers will announce their intention regarding the Barnett consequentials in due course.”
