One Week to Go: What’s On for Armed Forces Day in Orkney

With just one week to go until Armed Forces Day 2026, Orkney Islands Council is excited to share the full details of what residents and visitors can expect across Kirkwall and Stromness on Saturday, 27 June.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for communities across the UK to recognise the service and contributions of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families, and this year Orkney will mark the occasion with events bringing together local organisations, charities and members of the armed forces community.

At the centre of the day’s activities in Kirkwall will be community stalls staffed by members of the armed forces, local cadet groups and organisations, along with charities supporting the armed forces community. Residents can expect:

• Static Displays of military vehicles and equipment
• Stalls staffed by members of the armed forces, reserves and cadet forces.
• Stall staffed by local support organisations and charities, including representatives from the Orkney Veterans Breakfast Club and Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (HRFCA), offering information about their own services as well as providing leaflets about available support for service personnel, veterans and their families.
• Speeches celebrating the armed forces community in Orkney.
• Coffee afternoon at the Royal British Legion Scotland in Stromness

Speeches will also be taking place to recognise and celebrate the armed forces community in Orkney, and residents are encouraged to come along, listen to the speakers and interact with those behind the stalls and see how they can get involved.

Cllr David Dawson, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:

“The breadth of support on offer from local groups like the Orkney Veterans Breakfast Club and the HRFCA is something that many residents may not be aware of. Armed Forces Day is the perfect opportunity for people to find out what help is available - whether for themselves, a family member or a neighbour. It’s also a great chance for anyone interested in joining the forces, reserves or cadets to speak directly with organisations and learn more about the opportunities available. I would encourage everyone to come along, have a look around and take the opportunity to show their appreciation.”

As mentioned in our previous release, for Armed Forces Day 2026, current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families will be able to access a 50% discount, unless otherwise stated, and a range of special offers at the Pickaquoy Centre and leisure facilities across Orkney between 22 – 28 June.

Discounts will be available across the following (where available at each venue): 

• 20% discount at The Phoenix Cinema
• Swimming
• Use of health suites
• Group exercise classes
• 50+ club activities
• Use of all gym, weights and exercise equipment - including a free initial induction
• Body Composition Analysis (BCA)
• Racket sports - squash, badminton, short tennis and table tennis
• Athletics track
• Climbing Wall and Bouldering Cave
• Soft Play

Family discounts are available on the same terms as an ActiveLife family membership - covering two adults living at the same address and any number of children under 18.

A valid service card or warrant card must be presented, and the cardholder must be present to access the discount. Please note that the discount does not apply to exercise classes paid for in a block, or to personalised gym programmes.