SCOTTISH national cross country runner Isla Paterson has been backed by the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust in the latest round of grants announced by the charity.

Seventeen-year-old Isla from Galashiels was provided with a £500 grant to support travel across the UK and kit expenses, having competed three times for Scotland in 2023 in cross country and mountain running.

Competitions last year included the Under 18 World Mountain Running Cup in France, as well as winning both the under 20 Scottish Hill Running League and Championships.

Swimmers Grace Gillie and Keira Pemble both received £250 to continue their progress at an Olympic qualifying event.

Thirteen-year-old Grace is from Eyemouth and the freestyle and backcrawl specialist used support from the Trust to compete in the Icelandic International Games in January.

The meet is used as an Olympic qualifying event and while not at that level yet, Grace used it to continue her development in her first international meet.

And Duns’ Keira, 16, also used her support to attend the meet in Iceland.

Galashiels golfers Cameron and Gregor Brydon picked up £150 each to support their development.

If you would like to apply for support from the Trust, or raise funds for the charity which supports young sportspeople across the Borders, visit: www.rowanbolandmemorialtrust.co.uk