Orkney 2025 – Facilities Closure Reminder

With the Orkney 2025 International Island Games fast approaching Orkney Islands Council has issued a reminder about the impacts of the event on some public facilities.  

The Games will take place in Orkney from 12 – 18 July – the first time the Games have been held in Orkney since they began 40 years ago.  

2000 athletes from 23 island groups will compete across 12 sports - Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, and Triathlon. 

Sports and leisure facilities across the county will play a key role in the Games – meaning that there will be a knock-on effect on their availability to the public for the duration of the event 

Key points to note are: 

• Kirkwall Grammar School – which will act as the main venue for football, as well as   dormitory accommodation and a catering hub for the duration of the Games - will be closed to community from 5-21 July, including the fitness centre. 
• Bignold Park – the location for the opening Ceremony - will be closed on 10 - 12 July.  
• Brandyquoy playpark will host a marquee for the bowling events. The park won’t be closed but it will be particularly busy.  

Garry Burton is Service Manager for Sports and Leisure at Orkney Islands Council.  He said: “The Games look set to be an incredible week of sport and hospitality in Orkney.  The whole community is pulling together right now to make sure events run smoothly and that our visitors have an excellent experience.  

“Our excellent local sports and leisure facilities are at the heart of the Games – and inevitably this means they are not available to the public in the way that they normally are.  We would hope folk will understand that – and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in a couple of weeks' time.”