Help shape the Pathway Framework
Read the draft Framework and tell us whether the proposed Pathway is clear, realistic and capable of working across Scottish shooting.
Consultation closes: 18th September 2026
SCOTTISH TARGET SHOOTING
The Pathway
One pathway. Different journeys.
Scottish Target Shooting is developing a new Pathway Framework to make it clearer how people can enter shooting, develop their skills and involvement and, where appropriate, pursue performance ambitions.
The Framework will provide a connected structure across participation, development and performance while recognising that people enter the sport in different ways, follow different routes and have different ambitions.
Pathway Coordinator
Help establish and coordinate the new Development Programme and strengthen connections across the STS Pathway. This is a coordination role and applicants do not need a background in target shooting.
Applications close: 14th September 2026
One pathway, different journeys
The draft Framework proposes one connected whole-sport structure across Scottish shooting. It will provide a common reference point for future policy, investment and delivery while allowing different disciplines to have different programmes, selection systems and routes into GB or international competition.
The Pathway is not intended to be a single linear ladder. People may enter at different points, access more than one environment at the same time, change disciplines, pause and return, or step away from formal performance provision while remaining involved in shooting.
First Experience and Participation
Trying the sport, enjoying regular participation and building basic skills.
Early Development
Building foundations, confidence and effective training habits in a more structured environment.
Performance Pathway
Training purposefully, setting goals, competing domestically and developing independence.
Transition to International Stage
Representing Scotland or GB, competing internationally and adapting to higher demands.
High Performance
Performing consistently under pressure and pursuing medals at the highest relevant level.
These stages describe environments, not five universal grades of athlete.
People may move directly into national provision where they meet the
relevant criteria, access more than one environment at once, or pause
and return at a later point.
What exists now — and what is still developing?
Different parts of the Pathway are currently at different stages of development. The Framework describes the connected system STS is working towards; it does not suggest that every element already exists across every discipline or part of Scotland.
Stages 1–2
Participation and early development
Much of Stage 1 already exists through clubs and other environments offering introductory or regular participation opportunities.
Stage 2 provision is less consistent. Structured development activity exists in some places, but Regional Development Groups and equivalent opportunities are not yet available across Scotland.
Stage 2 is therefore not a prerequisite for progression. People may move directly from a strong club, school, university or other environment into nationally recognised provision where they meet the relevant criteria.
Stages 3–4
National pathway provision
At Stage 3, new sportscotland Pathway Investment allows STS to establish a more consistent Development Programme for Olympic and Paralympic events.
The STS Performance Programme provides the formal Home Nation performance environment at Stage 4, supporting athletes as they prepare for and transition towards international competition.
Stage 5
High performance
Stage 5 sits within the relevant GB and international high-performance structures. The routes into and through these environments differ between disciplines and events.
Help us shape the detail
The Pathway Framework remains a draft. We want to understand whether the proposed structure is clear, realistic and capable of working across different disciplines, environments and parts of Scotland.
You do not need to comment on every part of the Framework. Feedback based on your own experience of shooting, coaching, club delivery or athlete support is welcome.
-
Are the five stages clear and easy to understand? We want to know whether the language used reflects people’s experiences across different disciplines and whether the purpose of each stage is sufficiently distinct.
-
What should good Early Development provision look like? We are particularly interested in how structured opportunities can be made accessible across different disciplines and parts of Scotland.
-
How should Development and Performance environments connect with clubs and personal coaches? We also want views on how athletes should progress, transition between programmes or return after time away.
-
Where should STS establish common principles, and where do disciplines require flexibility? This includes how provision delivered by Association Management Groups or partners should be recognised and reviewed, and how the Framework should connect with different GB and international routes.
The consultation form contains further information and space to comment on these areas, but respondents are welcome to focus on the subjects most relevant to them.
Consultation closes: 18th September 2026
What happens next?
Consultation and delivery preparation will run alongside one another. Feedback will shape the final Framework, while confirmed Pathway Investment allows STS to begin recruitment and programme preparation during the consultation period.
Help shape the future of the STS Pathway
We welcome views from participants, athletes, parents, coaches, clubs, volunteers, officials and anyone else with experience of or an interest in Scottish target shooting.
Consultation closes: 18th September 2026
Online consultation session:
15th September 2026 at 7.30pm.
Hear more about the proposals, ask questions and discuss the areas
still being developed.
Register for the session →