A new evaluation report has found that the Orkney 2025 Island Games delivered more than £4 million to the local economy and created a lasting legacy for sport, infrastructure and community life across the islands.
The Games took place from 12 to 18 July and brought 2,141 athletes and officials from 24 islands, with 1,630 athletes competing across 12 sports.
The report shows the Games contributed £4,335,696 to the Orkney economy and £3,057,479 to the wider Scottish economy through participant and spectator spending.
A total of 2,338 unique spectators travelled to Orkney, with 48 percent coming from Scotland, 10 percent from the rest of the UK and 42 percent from overseas.
The event helped deliver £1.6 million of investment in sports facilities and equipment, including a new athletics track, upgraded golf courses and new gymnastics equipment through funding from several organisations including Orkney Islands Council and sportscotland.
The report highlights the strength of local volunteering.
A total of 1,027 volunteers contributed more than 21,000 hours of support, valued at £250,000 in kind, with 99 percent rating their experience positively and 83 percent saying they would volunteer again at a local event.
Spectator engagement was extensive with a total attendance of at least 63,336.
The average spectator attended for 4.8 days and visited 1.7 venues per day.
Media interest was high with 117 accredited media on site and hundreds of print, radio, television and online items produced in the run up to and during the Games.
The event generated more than 580,000 livestream views, attracted 4,000 channel subscribers and recorded 84,900 hours of viewing time online.
Orkney became the smallest island ever to host the International Island Games and welcomed a record number of visitors for a single event.
Twenty six Games records were broken across the twelve sports.
The Faroe Islands topped the medal table with 41 gold, 31 silver and 23 bronze, followed by Jersey.
Gordon Deans, Chairman of Orkney 2025, said:
“From the very beginning, our vision for Orkney’s Island Games was built on solid foundations, committed sports partners, strong financial governance, realistic goals, and community wide involvement.
“Our aim was always to ensure the Games delivered maximum impact and lasting benefits for the people and businesses of Orkney.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this report reflect, through both data and surveys, what everyone felt throughout the week; that the Games were a resounding success on every level.
“None of this would have been possible without the generosity and long-term commitment of our funders and sponsors, the tireless dedication of our incredible volunteers, and the boundless enthusiasm of communities across our Islands.
“To them, we owe our deepest thanks.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“Events like the Orkney Games should never be underestimated for what they bring to our communities.
“I attended and witnessed first-hand how the locals embraced the spirit of the games, which brought an increased interest in sport.
“But the £4 million boost to the economy and the further investment in new equipment and facilities will benefit generations to come.
“This was not only about showcasing the hospitality and beauty of Scotland’s islands to the world, but about leaving a legacy from those who came together to make it happen.
“I congratulate all those involved in this incredible success story.”
Graham Bevan, Orkney Islands Council Convener, said:
“The Orkney 2025 Island Games surpassed all expectations, whether that be of our community or of our visitors, it’ll live long in our memories.
“The report highlights the range of positive economic and social impacts that the Games brought to our islands, and we welcome the findings.”
The Orkney 2025 Island Games Evaluation Report is available through Orkney 2025.
Orkney 2025 was funded principally by Orkney Islands Council, sportscotland and the Scottish Government.
