Salmon farmer helping Western Isles athletes net Games glory

Athletes hoping to compete at the International Island Games are receiving sponsorship support from salmon farmer Bakkafrost Scotland, which is again providing backing to the Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA).

This year the International Island Games will take place on Orkney for the first time and see competitors from 24 teams take part in 12 sports over seven days.

WIIGA general team manager Iain ‘GG’ Campbell said: “It is an extra special event in 2025 for a number of reasons. It is 40 years since the first games were staged, the first time Orkney has hosted, and over 2,000 competitors and officials are expected to take part.”

Community at heart

He said it was tremendous that WIIGA’s 10-year partnership with the fish farmer is continuing, especially during such a significant year for the games.

“The event has community at its heart, and the sponsorship really does make a significant difference where it matters most,” said Campbell.

Daytime TV star Lorraine Kelly, a regular visitor to the islands, has been confirmed as an ambassador for Orkney 2025. “It is going to be a fantastic spectacle and I can’t wait to be there to see all of the sporting action, as well as meeting islanders from across the globe,” said Kelly.

The games will take place between July 12 and 18, and will include archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, and football among the event categories.

Framework for success

WIIGA works in partnership with local clubs and organisations across the Western Isles to ensure the correct framework and support is available for athletes to train and prepare for the event.

With travel and training facilities often proving a challenge for sportspeople based in rural areas, the renewed sponsorship bolsters local athletes on their journey to the world stage.

Bakkafrost Scotland, owned by Faroese Bakkafrost group, has 45 sites across remote and rural communities, including eight located in the Hebrides. With 80% of the workforce living in rural communities, the business also sponsors six other community events.

A proud role

Ian Laister, managing director of Bakkafrost Scotland, said: “We wish the very best of luck to all competitors as they prepare to compete in Orkney for the very first time.

“Our long-standing relationship with the Western Isles Island Games Association is very important to us, and we are proud to play a continued role in the development of local sporting talent.

“A sense of community underpins the work we do at Bakkafrost Scotland, and we are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work.”

The biennial games will receive additional support from salmon industry trade body Salmon Scotland.