THE largest event “ever hosted in Orkney”, the 2025 International Island Games, has kicked off.
Some 2000 athletes from 24 island groups – including the Falklands, the Cayman Islands, Saaremaa in Estonia, and Åland in Finland – have journeyed to the Scottish archipelago for the 20th iteration of the games.
Athletes will compete for medals in 12 sports: archery, athletics, badminton, bowls, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming, and triathlon.
The games will run until July 18 and are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Orkney, which is said to be the smallest island group to ever host the event.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Orkney Island Games represent a significant opportunity to drive economic growth and build a lasting legacy for people and businesses in Orkney and beyond.
“They also provide a taste of what is to come and illustrate our wider ambition to make sure every corner of Scotland benefits from the prestigious events we are increasingly able to attract.
“This is a team effort and the benefits go way beyond the events themselves. The global platform they provide enables us to highlight Scotland to tourists, businesses and potential inward investors across the world.”
Anne, the Princess Royal, is to attend the opening ceremony of the games, which will be held in Kirkwall on Saturday.
All of the sporting events and the opening ceremony are free for all to attend.
