Two weeks to go until Orkney 2025 welcomes the world!

The countdown is officially on! In just over two weeks’ time Orkney will host the 20th International Island Games, an event that promises to be a celebration of sport, culture, and community.

From 12th to 18th July 2025, Orkney will welcome around 2,000 athletes from 23 other island groups across the globe, marking the first time Orkney has hosted the Games and making it a landmark occasion for the islands and Scotland. The island is getting ready to welcome visitors and athletes, and official Orkney Island Games Airline Partner, Loganair, has added 32 extra flights to its schedule, bringing an additional 1,500 to the island - making the Games the largest event Orkney has ever hosted.

Here’s your ultimate Top 10 ‘must not miss’ moments during the Games:

1. Lorraine Kelly, beloved TV presenter and Games ambassador, will step up to host the official Orkney 2025 Opening Ceremony which will take place on July 12^th at Kirkwall’s Bignold Park. A regular visitor to Orkney for the past 40 years, Lorraine considers the islands her “happy place”.
2. Orkney 2025 is honored that HRH The Princess Royal will attend the Opening Ceremony and officially open the Games!
3. Olympic and Commonwealth Games gymnasts Claudia Fragapane and Kelly Simm will be joining Orkney Gymnastics Club and commenting on live streams of gymnastics at the Games.
4. Sport, sport, sport! Athletes will compete in 12 sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, and Triathlon.
5. Official mascot Ola the Orca, designed by Orkney schoolgirl, Sarah Sutcliffe, will be cheering athletes and stopping for selfies. Make sure you keep an eye out for her and come and say hi!
6. A range of delicious food will be on offer at venues across the island during Games week.  From Orkney Dairy to Pablo’s Grill, and Peedie Chippie to coffee from Beiting and Brew, there will be something to suit everyone’s tastes.
7. The Opening Ceremony will kick the Games off in style! Entertainment from 5-piece party band, Stereo Lobsters, and a special performance from Orkney Schools Expressive Arts Project are sure to get the toes tapping.
8. The Games promise not only thrilling sports competitions but also a vibrant celebration of island culture that visitors won’t want to miss. While athletes compete in a wide range of exciting events, spectators can also immerse themselves in Orkney’s rich heritage through a packed programme of cultural activities. From poetry and music at St Magnus Cathedral to a Street Gallery in Stromness, there is something for everyone!
9. With upgrades to both Stromness Golf Club and Orkney Golf Club in Kirkwall, the revamp has been warmly received by locals and visitors. The course developments mark a milestone for the clubs, and they can't wait to showcase their facilities on an international stage. 
10. Orcadian welcome - Over 900 volunteers have stepped forward to take on vital roles, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators. Their dedication showcases the warmth and hospitality that make Orkney such a special place, the energy is sure to be unmatched.

Lorraine Kelly said, “I’m so excited about hosting the opening ceremony for Orkney 2025. Orkney is a very special place to me and I’ve been visiting every year for the last 40 years, so this is an incredible honour! The Games promises to be a brilliant week and I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere. Orkney 2025 really is a great opportunity to share with the world just how special the islands are.”

Kirsty Talbot Games Director at Orkney 2025 said: “We couldn’t be more excited for the athletes, the volunteers, and the local community who have come together to make this historic event a reality – and we can’t believe it will take place in just two weeks’ time! The Games will not only showcase the incredible talent of island athletes but also leave a lasting legacy for Orkney. From fantastic host sports clubs to improved facilities, this event is a catalyst for growth and participation in sports across the islands. We cannot wait for Games week to kick off!”

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It has been 20 years since Scotland last hosted these incredible Games and now a few weeks to go until they return.

“The Games will present another opportunity to demonstrate our unrivalled Scottish hospitality as we play host of another major international event, but also showcase and celebrate Orkney, its people and its businesses.

“My best wishes go to “Team Orkney” and the many hundreds of volunteers supporting the Games as final preparations are made.”

Council Convener Graham Bevan said:  “The Orkney 2025 Island Games, so long in the planning, is almost here! The hosting of the Games will live long in the memories of our community and be talked about around kitchen tables for years to come.  We cannot wait to welcome our fellow islanders who will arrive as fierce competitors and leave as firm friends.”

The Games kick off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony and Athletes’ Parade in Kirkwall on Saturday 12 July, hosted by Lorraine Kelly and local presenter Stewart Bain.  Some of the highlights throughout the week include the triathlon in Stromness, cycling road races through the West Mainland, and the half marathon in Kirkwall, every venue will be alive with activity, showcasing the talent and determination of athletes while creating memories for spectators and participants alike. The Opening Ceremony and all of the sporting events are free and open for all to attend on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Those unable to travel to Orkney to experience the Games first-hand will be able to follow the action on the Orkney 2025 dedicated YouTube streaming channel: www.youtube.com/@Orkney2025  

For more information on the Orkney 2025 Island Games, please visit: www.orkney2025.com