Every two years, athletes from 24 member island groups across the world come together to compete in the International Island Games, a unique celebration of sport, fierce competition and friendship.
In 2025 the Orkney Islands will be handed the baton for hosting this incredible event.
From 12th- 18th July 2025 our beautiful island group off the North coast of Scotland will provide the perfect ‘stadium’ for seven days of competition, across 13 sports.
Whether a competitor, coach or loyal team supporter, we can’t wait to extend a warm Orcadian welcome to you, as you land on our islands to begin your Orkney adventure.
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The Story so Far
Working in partnership; Orkney Island Games Association, Orkney Islands Council and the Scottish Government came together to create a unique, strong and compelling plan to host the 2025 Orkney Island Games – with Orkney officially securing the Games in 2018.
In Scotland, we last welcomed the Island Games family to Shetland in 2005 and we relish the opportunity to welcome the International Island Games Association and its member islands to Orkney for the first time.
Orkney is an island group that not only offers a fantastic platform to host the Games - with world class and purpose-built facilities - but also boasts a community that lives and breathes sport. Pride, passion, ambition, quiet determination and fierce rivalry are ingrained into the very fabric of our island life.
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Orkney – the perfect stage
Part of the International Island Games family since its inception in 1985, we have a track record of hosting successful international events and festivals and we know that the people of Orkney cannot wait for this momentous sporting occasion to get underway.
Orkney has a population of over 21,000 and is a very popular tourist destination with endless summer days, historic towns, golden beaches, unrivalled local produce, world-famous sites of historical interest and an array of wildlife.
Orkney has significant experience of hosting large, high profile events such as:
- 2016 Jutland Commemorations
- Cruise in Company activity as part of the Tall Ships Races in 2011
- St Magnus International Festival
- Annual Junior and Senior inter-county sporting competitions
Our unique island attributes will be placed the heart of the Games, and to give you a flavour of what awaits in Orkney we welcome to you watch a brief film which showcases our place, produce and people to highlight why Orkney is the perfect host for the Island Games
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The Sports and the Venues
With our 13 proposed sports, we aim to showcase our isles whilst ensuring there is, at most, an hour transfer to our furthest away sports venue, with dedicated Games coach transfers in place. Our variety of sporting locations also allows us to offer accommodation solutions to islands/teams to be near their competition venue.
Archery - hosted at the Pickaquoy Centre with bespoke temporary facilities installed at the venue.
Athletics - hosted at the Pickaquoy Centre. The track has six lanes with eight lanes on the straight, along with an investment for a new cage for Discus and Hammer. Please note there will be no pole-vault or steeplechase offered in the programme.
Badminton - hosted at the Pickaquoy centre, providing a minimum of five courts and seating for 150 spectators.
Bowls - hosted in the historic heart of Kirkwall, with access to eight lanes for competition with a strong local club in place.
Cycling - three events, the criterium in Kirkwall, and the road race and time trial will be on closed or partially closed roads taking in some of iconic sites around Orkney.
Football - Eight grounds, all with grass pitches, clubhouses and changing facilities.
Golf - will offer stunning views for competitors, with two 18-hole golf courses at Stromness & Orkney Golf Club, each with club houses.
Gymnastics - We will be hosting this event at the Stromness Academy, New competition equipment will be acquired and with a local club of over 200 members and an ever-growing waiting list, excitement is already building for the future of this sport.
Sailing - hosted at Kirkwall Sailing Club on the Kirkwall harbour front.
Shooting events - hosted at Ramsdale which is a recently completed new venue. Competition offer will include, automatic ball trap and Olympic skeet.
Swimming - hosted at the Pickaquoy Centre, offering six lanes in a 25 metre pool. This facility was built and opened in 2013 with balcony spectator seating available for 150 people.
Squash - hosted at the Pickaquoy Centre offering both singles & doubles competition. The venue offers three courts with ground level & balcony seating to accommodate 100 spectators.
Triathlon - We can guarantee stunning views and we will work closely to select the best venue for swimming conditions.
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Getting here
By air- there are several international airports on the Scottish mainland, nearest options are Aberdeen and Inverness, alongside our local airport, Kirkwall airport.
Our local airport, Kirkwall Airport offers services currently for planes servicing up to 58 passengers.
After safe arrival, we plan to offer a number of accredited Games coach services. We will offer dedicated coach services for sports outside Kirkwall and aim to secure electric cars for all team officials whilst on island.
By sea, there are several ferries options. The majority of teams will likely transfer from Aberdeen, with a 6 hour direct transfer between Aberdeen and Kirkwall.
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Staying here
The majority of accommodation will be offered in schools and community halls across the isles. A real strength for us to get local communities involved in the effective delivery of accommodation solutions for visiting islands.
The organising committee will work closely with multiple partners to develop a full range of accommodation and catering solutions. Working collectively we will host affordable, comfortable and accessible accommodation which will suit the individual needs for each island member.