Orkney 2025 Island Games economic impact announced - News

The 20th International Island Games have been hailed a success, as the organisers publish the event’s impact and evaluation report.

The report 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 to 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.

Orkney is the smallest island to have ever hosted the International Island Games, welcoming a record number for a single event.

Our EventScotland team has been a key partner of the event since the successful bid, managing the investment made by Scottish Government into the event.

Find out more on the Orkney Island Games website

Athlete celebrates winning a race

Taylah Paterson emphatic win in the women's 100m. © Orkney 2025 / Kirstin Shearer

Economic impact

The Games contributed £4,335,696 to Orkney's economy and £3,057,479 to Scotland's economy. This was achieved through participant and spectator spending.

A total of 2,338 unique spectators travelled to Orkney for the event:
- 48% from Scotland
- 10% from the rest of the UK
- 42% international
Sporting legacy

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

Volunteers played a huge part in the Games' success:
- 1,027 volunteers
- over 21,000 volunteer hours
- equivalent 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

The Games drew a total attendance of at least 63,336.

This amounted to an average of 4.8 days attended per spectator and 1.7 venues visited per day.
Media and social media coverage

In the run up to the Games and during games week, there were:
- 117 accredited media at the event
- 97 print articles
- 224 TV items
- 857 radio items
- 719 online pieces of coverage
Online, the Games attracted:
- over 580,000 livestream views
- 4,000 channel subscribers
- 84,900 hours spent watching the Games

Events play a vital role in our communities, delivering both social and economic benefits. They bring people together, inspire participation, and showcase Scotland’s unique culture to the world. The 20th International Island Games has made a lasting impact, driving positive change, strengthening the island’s visitor economy, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Congratulations to everyone involved, from the initial bid to the closing ceremony. This achievement is the result of a remarkable collective effort across partners, volunteers, and communities working together to make the Games a success.

Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events

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.

Gordon Deans, Chairman of Orkney 2025

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.

Business Minister, Richard Lochhead MSP

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.

Graham Bevan, Orkney Islands Council Convener