The beloved Scots presenter Lorraine Kelly has been announced as the host of the Island Games opening ceremony in Orkney this summer.
The Island Games will see athletes from 24 islands and island groups across the world arriving in Kirkwall in July for the biennial event. The event features 12 different sports taking place on the island for the first time and mark only the second time they have come to Scotland in their 40-year history.
Around 600 competitors from 15 islands took part in the first games on the Isle of Man in 1985 in what was intended as a one-off event. However, it has grown exponentially to include over 2,000 athletes from 24 islands or island groups competing in; Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Sailing, Squash, Swimming and Triathlon.
The 65-year-old broadcaster, who is also an ambassador for the event, will join BBC Radio Orkney presenter Stewart Bain in hosting the ceremony. She spoke to the BBC about excited she was to showcase her “happy place” to visitors from around the globe.
She said: “Orkney is a very special place to me and I’ve been visiting every year for the last 40 years, so this is an incredibly exciting opportunity.
“I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere—from the sporting action to meeting competitors and supporters from the 24 islands taking part. Orkney 2025 really is a great opportunity to share with the world just how special the islands are.”
Orkney was originally chosen to host the games in 2023, but was rearranged after the 2021 event was canned due to the Covid pandemic. Orkney will host the 20th edition of the Island Games this summer, celebrating 40 years since the event started. Over 800 people will volunteer at the event which has seen mass investment from SportScotland and Orkney Islands Council.
The investment has meant that gymnastics facilities could be upgraded and golf courses maintained and developed. Alongside this, the cycling road race will take place through the west mainland, while the triathlon winds its way through Stromness and the half marathon sees competitors race through Kirkwall.
The only other Scottish island to host the games was Shetland in 2005. It has since been held in Jersey, Rhodes, Bermuda and Gibraltar, among others. Games director Kirsty Talbot said she was looking forward to a “historic” event.
She said: “The games will not only showcase the incredible talent of island athletes but also leave a lasting legacy for Orkney. From newly developed sports clubs to improved facilities, this event is a catalyst for growth and participation in sports across the islands.
“We are truly looking forward to seeing how this landmark occasion will inspire future generations and highlight Orkney’s unique sense of community and spirit.”
Orkney will become one of the smallest islands in terms of population to host the games when the opening ceremony kicks it off on July 12. Concerns have been raised about their ability to host the event after Guernsey’s men’s football team, one of the favourites for the competition, were forced to pull out due to being unable to find suitable travel and accommodation.
Other concerns regarding costs and a lack of accommodation have been raised by teams as some athletes are being made to stay in dormitories set up in schools, as organisers insist they have enough beds.
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