With just one month to go until the Orkney 2025 Island Games begin, the archipelago is gearing up for the largest event it has ever hosted. This is the first time Orkney has hosted the Games, making it a landmark occasion for the islands.
From 12 to 18 July 2025, Orkney will welcome around 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups across the globe to compete in 12 sports:
A special tartan has been designed to celebrate the Games. It was created by Scottish Borders’ mill Lochcarron of Scotland in collaboration with Aurora Jewellery and Beccy May, Vice Chair of Orkney 2025.
Inspiration for the design was taken from the vibrant colours in the Games' logo.
It celebrates Orkney’s unique heritage and its role as host to one of the world’s most inspiring island sporting events. It also pays tribute to the landscapes, culture, and community spirit that define the islands.
The striking design produced in lambswool is being made into wraps, scarves, and ties, along with a variety of accessories available for visitors and competitors to purchase as a memento of the Orkney 2025 Island Games.
Orkney Island Games 2025 mascot, Orla the Orca with the official tartan. © Orkney Island Games
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.
Orkney’s iconic St Magnus Cathedral, situated in the heart of Kirkwall, will display its magnificent sails. These were first hung from the pillars in 1993.
The fourteen free-hanging sails are painted with images inspired by a series of one-line poems, specially written by Orkney’s own "poet Laureate", George Mackay Brown.
A musical composition by folk musician, Brian Cromarty, will complement the sails. Brian has created a bespoke soundtrack of Orkney, which will underpin the Island Games and the pleasure Orkney has found hosting it.
Island Games scrivener and story gatherer, Gaby Barnby, has also created short sound bites from submitted writings gathered from all the islands, participating in the 2025 Island Games.
These will be played throughout the St Magnus Cathedral allowing visitors to hear the distinct accents, languages, and dialects from around the world that are part of the Island Games' family.
In addition to the events taking place at St Magnus Cathedral, Stromness will feature a "street gallery", showcasing visual art and writing on the theme of the Games. The Northlight Gallery will host a collective of artists creating works that reflect the Island Games.
Haiku and poems will also be displayed at Games' facilities across Orkney as part of the Island Games Island Voices project. This project invited individuals from all participating islands to write something about their own special communities.
Gymnastics press image for Orkney 2025 International Island Games. © Kirstin Shearer Photography
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:
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 event's YouTube channel.
Visit Orkney 2025's dedicated streaming channel on youtube.com.
Being involved in creating the tartan for the Orkney 2025 International Island Games was a real honour.
I wanted every thread and colour to reflect the spirit of the islands; the blues of the surrounding seas, the greens of our windswept landscapes, and the vibrant reds and golds, symbolising community, heritage, and celebration.
This tartan represents the connection across all of the island communities involved in the Games coming together through sport.
From traditional music and storytelling to local food festivals, arts exhibitions, and community events, the islands will be alive with energy and creativity.
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or taking a moment to explore Orkney’s unique traditions, Orkney 2025 offers something unforgettable for everyone.
We are on the one month to go countdown now and the energy in Orkney is electric!
This international event will shine a spotlight on our island communities.
The tartan, a collaboration between an artist and manufacturer in some of Scotland's most northern and southern communities, highlights how the Games have offered opportunities to businesses across Scotland.
Locals are also set to enjoy economic benefits and a varied programme of cultural events.
With only one month until kick off, I want to once again thank the organisers for their dedication and enthusiasm.
This is set to be unforgettable Island Games.
Creating the Orkney 2025 tartan has been a truly special project for Lochcarron of Scotland.
We are proud to weave together the heritage, landscapes, and vibrant spirit of Orkney into a design that will serve as a lasting tribute to this landmark event.