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Article published 25/06/2025

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

From 12 to 18 July 2025, Orkney will welcome around 2,000 athletes from 23 other island groups across the globe. This marks the first time Orkney has hosted the Games and makes 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. These will bring an additional 1,500 to the island making the Games the largest event Orkney has ever hosted.

Find out more about the Games on orkney2025.com

Opening ceremony and highlights

The Games kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony and athletes’ parade in Kirkwall on Saturday 12 July.

This will be 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
  • the half marathon in Kirkwall

Every venue will be alive with activity, showcasing the talent and determination of the 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. 

Visit the Orkney 2025 Island Games channel on youtube.com

Lorraine Kelly wearing an Orkney 2025 Island Games shirtLorraine Kelly wearing an Orkney 2025 Island Games shirt

Your ultimate top 10 "must not miss" moments during the Games

  • Lorraine Kelly

    Lorraine Kelly, beloved TV presenter and Games Ambassador, will step up to host the official Orkney 2025 opening ceremony at Kirkwall’s Bignold Park on the 12th of July.

    A regular visitor to Orkney for the past 40 years, Lorraine considers the islands her "happy place".

  • Royal guests

    Orkney 2025 is honored that HRH The Princess Royal will attend the opening ceremony.

    She will officially open the Games.

  • Olympic and Commonwealth Games legends

    Olympic and Commonwealth Games gymnasts, Claudia Fragapane and Kelly Simm, will be joining Orkney Gymnastics Club.

    They will be commenting on live streams of gymnastics at the Games.

  • Sport, sport, sport!

    Athletes will compete in 12 sports: archery, athletics, badminton, bowls, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming, and triathlon.

  • Selfies with Ola the Orca

    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".

  • Food and drink

    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.

  • Great music and cultural offering

    The opening ceremony will kick the Games off in style.

    Entertainment from five-piece party band, Stereo Lobsters, and a special performance from Orkney Schools Expressive Arts Project are sure to get the toes tapping.

  • Orkney's rich heritage

    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.

  • Upgraded golfing facilities

    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.

  • A warm 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.

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 promise 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.

Lorraine Kelly, presenter, Orkney 2025 Island Games

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. 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 will 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.

Kirsty Talbot, Games Director, Orkney 2025 Island Games

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.

Richard Lochhead MSP, Business Minister

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.

Graham Bevan, Council Convener, Orkney Islands Council

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