More than 5,000 attendances were recorded at Summer of Sport activities across Shetland during the school holidays, as children, young people and families took advantage of a packed programme of free activities.
Around 750 youngsters booked places during the summer, while the popular Picnic & Play sessions attracted an estimated 2,400 attendances without the need to book.
Activities reached communities across the North, South, Central and West Mainland as well as Yell, Unst and Whalsay, giving families across the islands opportunities to get active close to home.
Fifteen sports featured in this year’s programme, ranging from basketball, fencing and table tennis to dance and skateboarding.
Families could also take part together through Picnic & Play, Pedal Power cycling sessions and badminton, table tennis and rugby events.
Scottish Youth Dance, known as YDance, visited Shetland for a week of dance camps which attracted almost 80 children and offered the chance to explore different styles in an inclusive environment.
Six young people also completed a week long YDance Leadership programme, gaining experience and skills which could help support future dance activities in Shetland.
Ability Shetland provided another important part of the summer programme, with inclusive opportunities including kayaking, boccia, curling, wheelchair basketball and goalball.
The wider programme was delivered with local clubs, coaches and volunteers, supported by three seasonal staff employed by Shetland Islands Council’s Sport & Leisure Service.
Summer of Sport 2026 was funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated through sportscotland, with the council coordinating delivery across Shetland.
Louise Jamieson, Active Schools Manager at the Council’s Sport & Leisure service, said:
“This summer’s programme has been a fantastic success.
“The demand for activities was incredible, and it was wonderful to see so many children, young people and families getting involved.
“We are grateful to the clubs, coaches, volunteers, and partner organisations who helped deliver such a diverse programme.
“Their enthusiasm and commitment made it possible for participants to try everything from fencing and archery to hockey, rowing and skateboarding.
“Summer of Sport is all about creating positive experiences, building confidence and helping people discover activities they can continue to enjoy long after the holidays have ended.
“We would like to thank everyone who took part and helped make Summer of Sport 2026 such a memorable success.”
Parents and carers whose children took part are now being invited to provide feedback through a survey being led by Research Scotland.
