Orkney Islands to host international sporting event for first time

A SCOTTISH island group is set to host an international sporting event for the first time, with a well-known TV presenter as their ambassador.

The 2025 International Island Games is set to take place in Orkney between July 12 and 18 and will include 12 different sports.

Lorraine Kelly is the event’s ambassador and is set to host the opening ceremony. The TV star said she considers the island her “happy place”, having visited it every year for the past 40 years, while Princess Anne will officially open the games.

The Orkney Games 2025 mascot  (Image: Supplied) The games will be the largest event that Orkney has ever hosted, with around 2000 athletes from 23 other island groups around the world set to attend. It is the first time event has been held in Scotland in 20 years.

The athletes will compete across 12 different sporting events, consisting of football, athletics, archery, swimming, golf, badminton, squash, cycling, gymnastics, sailing, bowls and triathlon.

Around 900 volunteers will be taking part in various roles across the games, which are completely free to attend.

Visitors can take part in events celebrating island culture, while there is also a range of food available across different venues and revamped facilities like Stromness Golf Club and Orkney Golf Club. 

Commenting, Lorraine Kelly said: “I’m so excited about hosting the opening ceremony for Orkney 2025.”

Lorraine Kelly (Image: Supplied) She described the islands as a “very special place” to her and said that “the games promises to be a great week” which will “share with the world just how special the islands are.” 

Kirsty Talbot, Orkney 2025 games director, said: “We couldn’t be more excited for the athletes, the volunteers, and the local community who have come together to make this historic event a reality – and we can’t believe it will take place in just two weeks’ time!

(Image: Supplied) “The Games will not only showcase the incredible talent of island athletes but also leave a lasting legacy for Orkney.

“From fantastic host sports clubs to improved facilities, this event is a catalyst for growth and participation in sports across the islands. We cannot wait for Games week to kick off!”

Richard Lochhead (Image: Martini) Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It has been 20 years since Scotland last hosted these incredible Games and now a few weeks to go until they return.

“The Games will present another opportunity to demonstrate our unrivalled Scottish hospitality as we play host of another major international event, but also showcase and celebrate Orkney, its people and its businesses.”

Graham Bevan, Orkney Islands Council convener, added that the “hosting of the Games will live long in the memories of our community.”

Those not attending the games will be able to stream the events on the Orkney 2025 YouTube channel, which will feature commentary from the likes of Olympic and Commonwealth Games gymnasts Claudia Fragapane and Kelly Simm.