Orkney 2025 Island Games leaves economic impact and enduring legacy

A new report evaluating the impact of the 20th International Island Games has revealed that Orkney 2025 added £4 million to the island’s economy, and has left a powerful legacy for local sport, infrastructure, and community spirit.

Held from 12–18 July 2025, the Games brought together 2,141 athletes and officials from 24 islands across the globe, with 1,630 athletes competing across 12 sports.

Key Highlights from the Report:

●        Economic Impact:

o   The Games contributed £4,335,696 and £3,057,479 to Orkney and Scotland economy respectively, through participant and spectator spending.

o   A total of 2,338 unique spectators travelled to Orkney for the event, with 48% from Scotland, 10% from the rest of the UK, and 42% international.

●        Sporting Legacy:

o   Investment of £1.6 million in new equipment and facilities – including a new athletics track, upgraded golf courses, and gymnastics equipment – was made possible through funding from a number of organisations, including Orkney Islands Council, and sportscotland.

●        Volunteer Power:

o   1,027 volunteers contributed over 21,000 hours, equating to £250,000 in-kind support. Of those surveyed, 99% rated their experience positively, and 83% said they would volunteer again at a local event.

●        Spectator Engagement:

o   The Games drew a total attendance of at least 63,336, with an average of 4.8 days attended per spectator and 1.7 venues visited per day.

●        Media and social media coverage

o   There were 117 accredited media at the event

o   There were 97 print articles, 224 TV items, 857 radio items and 719 online pieces of coverage in the run up to the games and during games week

o   Online, the Games attracted over 580,000 livestream views and 4,000 channel subscribers with 84,900 hours spent watching the Games.

Orkney made history as the smallest island ever to host the International Island Games, welcoming a record number of visitors for a single event. The week of competition was marked by outstanding athletic achievement, with 26 Island Games records broken across the 12 sports. Leading the medal table was the Faroe Islands, who secured an impressive 41 gold, 31 silver, and 23 bronze medals, followed closely by Jersey.

Gordon Deans, Chairman of Orkney 2025, said the report was a clear confirmation of everything the Organising Committee had worked to achieve.

“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 can be viewed at www.orkney2025.com

Orkney 2025 International Island Games was principally funded by Orkney Islands Council, sportscotland and the Scottish Government.