With just over two weeks to go, the excitement is building as Orkney prepares to welcome the world for the 20th International Island Games.
From 12 to 18 July, this quiet archipelago will transform into a global stage for sport, culture and community.
This is the first time Orkney has hosted the Games, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest event in the islands’ history.
Around 2,000 athletes from 23 island groups across the globe will compete across 12 sports, from triathlon and swimming to archery and gymnastics.
Loganair, the official airline partner, has added 32 extra flights, bringing an additional 1,500 people to the islands.
Local communities have pulled together in a remarkable show of spirit, with more than 900 volunteers stepping up to ensure every detail runs smoothly.
Television icon and Games ambassador Lorraine Kelly, a devoted Orkney visitor for 40 years, will host the Opening Ceremony at Kirkwall’s Bignold Park on 12 July.
HRH The Princess Royal will also be in attendance to officially open the Games, adding an extra touch of pageantry to an already historic moment.
Athletes and visitors alike can expect a feast of experiences.
The sporting action will be non-stop, but it’s far from the only thing on offer.
Olympic gymnasts Claudia Fragapane and Kelly Simm will lend their star power to the gymnastics events, and venues across the island will serve up top notch local food and drink throughout the week.
Cultural highlights include poetry and music at St Magnus Cathedral and a vibrant Street Gallery in Stromness.
Upgrades to Orkney’s golf courses are ready to welcome international competitors, while the streets will buzz with the energy of thousands of spectators and the unmistakable presence of Ola the Orca, the Games’ official mascot.
For Games Director Kirsty Talbot, it’s a dream come true.
“We couldn’t be more excited,” she said.
“From athletes to volunteers, the whole community has come together.
“This will be a moment Orkney never forgets.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead praised the islands’ readiness, saying the Games are a chance to show the world Scotland’s legendary hospitality.
Council Convener Graham Bevan added:
“This event will be remembered around kitchen tables for generations.”
Events will be free and open to all on a first-come, first-served basis.
From the athletes’ parade in Kirkwall to triathlons in Stromness and road cycling through the West Mainland, each moment promises to be unforgettable.
And for those who can’t make it to the islands, every second will be streamed live via the Orkney 2025 YouTube channel.
The world is coming to Orkney and Orkney is ready to give it a welcome it will never forget.
For more information on the Orkney 2025 Island Games, please click HERE
