Orkney 2025 basked in glorious sunshine for a spectacular week of sport. Last week seen Orkney shine - both literally and figuratively - as thousands of visitors joined locals to celebrate a week of brilliant competition.
With 26 sporting records broken, more visitors than Orkney has ever hosted for an event, and the community coming together to ensure the success of the week, Orkney delivered an Island Games that will be remembered for years to come.
The 20th International Island Games saw 2,141 athletes and officials from 24 islands across the globe come together to take part in 12 sports from July 12 - 18. With its rich culture, striking landscapes and strong community spirit, Orkney was the perfect stage for the Games. Every venue was buzzing with activity, and people turned up in their thousands to spectate the events over the Games week.
Over 900 volunteers stepped forward to take on vital roles, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators. Their dedication showcased the warmth and hospitality that make Orkney such a special place.
Scottish athletes from Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles rose to the occasion. Commonwealth Games swimmer Kara Hanlon secured four gold medals and one bronze for Western Isles and two Games records in the process.
Orkney finished an impressive sixth in the medal table with 31 medals overall including 11 gold. Taylah Paterson earned four of those winning the 100m and 200m as well as being part of Team Orkney’s wins in the 4x100m and 4x400m women’s relays.
There was a strong showing from Shetland as well with 17 medals as a collective. Grant Ferguson won gold in the Individual Mountain Bike Cross Country and silver in the Individual Mountain Bike Criterium.
Faroe Islands, who will host the 2027 Island Games, led the medal count with 41 gold, 31 silver, and 23 bronze medals with Jersey following in second place with 29 gold, 25 silver, and 19 bronze medals.
The impact of Orkney 2025 will be felt by the local community for years to come. Investment from sportscotland has helped clubs and facilities which will see sport in Orkney in a much better place.
Orkney Gymastics Club, Orkney Athletics Club and Orkney Archery Club received £105,684 between them for a range of equipment and storage which were essential for hosting the Games and will be put to good use by the clubs for years.
A sportscotland award of £189,032 allowed for the purchase of 24 ILCA sailing boats which will be used for the sailing events. With the support of RYA Scotland these boats will be re-distributed to for the wider benefit of the Scottish sailing community after the event. All of them will remain in Orkney to be used by local sailing clubs, while others will be moved to benefit other rural and island communities.
A £241,335 investment in the athletics track at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall will secure the long-term future of the only track in Orkney, the home of Orkney Athletics Club. The funding will give the venue certified track mark status providing a competition venue for Orkney 2025 and the potential to host further licenced events.
There was also funding for the Scottish athletes competing for Orkney, Western Isles and Shetland through the Athlete Travel Award Scheme.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “So much work has gone into the planning, preparation and delivery of the Orkney 2025 Island Games. I’d like to congratulate everyone who has had any involvement in bringing such a brilliant event to Orkney.
“I was lucky enough to be there, and it was a special atmosphere for what is a unique event. From the volunteers to the athletes who delivered some fantastic performances, the Games truly delivered.
“The sportscotland investment in Orkney’s sporting infrastructure which has supported the Games will be of huge value to the local sporting community for many years and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have.”
Kirsty Talbot, Director of Orkney 2025, said, “What a brilliant week! It has been an absolutely incredible achievement for our islands, and we have showcased Orkney to the world through high-quality sport, friendly competition, and unforgettable experiences.
“Over the past few years, organising Orkney 2025 has been a true labour of love. Brought to life by only two full-time organisers, we have been supported by an incredible network of volunteers. It’s been an inspiring journey and truly rewarding to see our vision come to life.
"The success of the Orkney 2025 Games stands as a proud testament to our community spirit—showcasing Orkney to the world with high-quality sport, friendly competition, and the unwavering dedication of our incredible volunteers.
“Together, we’ve proven that with heart, teamwork, and community spirit, even the smallest places can deliver something extraordinary.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said, “Orkney has showcased the incredible hospitality and beauty of Scotland’s islands to the world. During my visit at the start of the Games, the excitement and pride was palpable as the community embraced this once-in-a-generation event.
“The Games leave a lasting legacy by boosting interest in sports such as archery and sailing and raising Scotland’s profile across the globe.
“The community spirit of the Games has been clear and I’m sure will last long in the memory of those who were there – whether competing, volunteering or spectating. Congratulations to the organisers and all involved on a really successful event.”
Graham Bevan, Convener of Orkney Islands Council said, “It has been the most incredible week - for competitors, for visitors and of course for our community. The efforts of all those who contributed to the spectacle of Orkney 2025 are hugely appreciated.
"It’s been a fantastic week of competition and community engagement. Thank you to all the organisers, volunteers and supporters- and not least the weather that provided the perfect setting to showcase Orkney at its very best.
“My hearty congratulations to the medal winners and record breakers, but also to all who took part. The Orkney 2025 Games have indeed brought island communities together in competition and friendship and this is cause for celebration.”
More Orkney 2025 facts and stats –
• Over 5,000 attended the Games opening ceremony
• 2,141 athletes and officials took part in the Games
• The Games were live streamed on YouTube and by Friday morning had received over half a million views
• Princess Anne officially opened the Games and Lorraine Kelly hosted the Opening Ceremony with Stewart Bain
• Over 900 volunteers helped to make the Games a success
• Squash used 200 balls over the competition week
• Football used a total of 729 balls – which were used for the matches, practice, football festivals and were used during the SFA’s Isles Roadshow
• Badminton used 3,600 shuttles in their matches
• Scottish Water supplied Top up Taps across the venues for athletes and spectators to use. Over Games week the equivalent of 30,000 water bottles were filled (based on 330ml single plastic use bottles).
