Scottish Target Shooting has today launched an expanded Performance Programme framework, creating a route through which athletes from a wider range of internationally competitive shooting disciplines may access structured performance support.
Until now, the STS Performance Programme has focused primarily on Olympic and Paralympic events supported through sportscotland investment. The expanded framework enables STS to develop appropriate performance provision for other STS-recognised disciplines where there is a clear performance purpose, an identified athlete cohort and a viable delivery model.
Importantly, this is an expansion of the STS framework - not an extension of sportscotland investment to additional disciplines. sportscotland investment will continue to support eligible Olympic and Paralympic provision within the Performance Programme.
Additional disciplines will be introduced progressively where STS can establish:
a clearly defined performance purpose and progression route;
sufficient athlete demand and an appropriate athlete cohort;
suitable coaching and technical expertise;
the capacity to provide meaningful performance support; and
a separate, sustainable funding arrangement.
Before athletes from an additional discipline are selected, STS will publish discipline-specific Programme objectives, selection criteria, delivery arrangements and details of the support available.
The existing three-tier Programme structure remains in place, with some revised emphasis to reflect different stages of athlete development:
Tier 1 – High Performance
Tier 2 – Performance Potential
Tier 3 – Transition to Performance
Athletes supported through the British Shooting World Class Programme will normally sit outside the STS tier structure but may continue to receive complementary support from STS according to their individual needs, eligibility and the resources available.
Alongside the expansion, STS has published a revised Selection Policy and application process. Athletes will normally be considered through either a Winter or Summer Selection Cycle, according to their primary event or World Class Programme status.
The criteria currently published apply to the Olympic and Paralympic events already supported through the Programme. As additional disciplines are introduced, their Programme objectives, selection criteria and assigned Selection Cycle will be confirmed through discipline-specific appendices to the policy.
To support the transition to the revised arrangements, all existing Programme disciplines and athlete cohorts will initially be considered during the January 2027 selection round. Applications from new athletes wishing to be considered must be submitted by 31 October 2026.
STS would like to thank sportscotland for its continued investment in eligible Olympic and Paralympic provision within the Performance Programme and its ongoing support for the development of Scotland’s performance athletes.