LDRSTV presenter Lorraine Kelly will host the official opening ceremony of the International Island Games in Orkney this summer.
A regular visitor to Orkney for the past 40 years, Lorraine said she considers Orkney her “happy place” and was delighted to accept the role.
The Island Games is a biennial, multi-sport event during which athletes from around the world gather to compete.
This year, Orkney will host the event between July 12 and 18. Around 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups will compete across 12 sports.
The sports are: archery, athletics, badminton, bowls, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming, and triathlon.
This marks the first time Orkney has hosted the Games, making it a landmark occasion for the islands and Scotland.
Over 800 volunteers have stepped up to take on vital roles, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators.
Lorraine, who is an ambassador for the games, will host the opening ceremony alongside local presenter Stewart Bain.
STV NewsShe said: “I’m so thrilled to be an ambassador for Orkney 2025.
“It is such an honour for me to have been asked to host the opening ceremony.
“Orkney is a very special place to me. 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 just how special the islands are.”
Games are opportunity to show the world ‘just how special the islands are’, says Lorraine Kelly
The games’ opening ceremony and athletes’ parade will take place in Kirkwall on Saturday, 12th July.
The opening ceremony is free and all are welcome to attend.
The Scottish Government and Orkney Island Council are the principal funders for the event.
The council initially committed £1 million to help fund the games.
In June last year, after some debate, 19 of the 21 councillors voted in favour of adding a further £400,000 to that sum.
Orkney Islands Council’s convener Councillor Graham Bevan said: “The countdown to the Orkney 2025 Island Games is officially on.
“This incredible event will be a highlight of the year for locals, competitors, spectators and visitors.
“It will be reminisced on for years to come.
“Orkney Islands Council is very proud to be supporting the event.
“I wish the organising committee the very best of luck in what will undoubtedly be a busy six months for them – we cannot wait to join them in welcoming our fellow islanders to our shores.”
Kirsty Talbot, the games director at Orkney Island Games, said: “With just six months to go until Orkney welcomes the world to the 20th International 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.
“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.”
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