A champion performance from salmon farmers

Three Scotland salmon farming companies - Scottish Sea Farms, Bakkafrost Scotland, and Cooke Scotland - have played their part in the success of the International Island Games that took place in Orkney last week.

As well as sponsoring Team Orkney’s kit, strips and uniforms, Scottish Sea Farms made a £10,000 donation from its Heart of the Community fund to support the team’s preparation.

Orkney fielded a record-high 175 competitors in the week-long multi-sport event, and ended with 31 medals - 11 gold, 11 silver and 9 bronze across athletics, lawn bowls, swimming, squash, triathlon, golf, and badminton.

During the Games, SSF provided boats and crew to support the sailing events off Hatston Pier, donated 95kg of fresh Scottish salmon for participants and visitors, and had staff volunteering across various roles to ensure the smooth running of the event, which involved teams from 24 islands.

Will Scott, SSF’s area manager for Orkney, said: “The Island Games are a huge celebration of sporting talent and community spirit. We’re delighted to have played our part in supporting Team Orkney as they delivered their best-ever performance.

“Seeing our local athletes shine on the international stage has been inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of the team’s achievements.”

SSF had something else to be proud of: employee Bobby Laurenson, who competed for Team Shetland, won a silver medal in the men’s 400m, achieving a personal best.

"We had a great week in Orkney at the Island Games. It's always an amazing event and this was no exception, particularly with the huge amount of support we got from both the Shetland and Orkney spectators," said Laurenson. "Medalling for the first time at my third Games is hugely satisfying after all the training I've done over the years. Looking forward to competing in the Faroes in 2027."

Western Isles

Bakkafrost Scotland was the main sponsor for the Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA), continuing its 10-year support for the organisation.

A squad of over 100 athletes travelled to Orkney, with the team going home with 11 medals – six golds, a silver, and four bronze medals. Commonwealth Games swimmer Kara Hanlon made a huge contribution to the medal haul, bagging four golds and a bronze and taking her Island Games medal tally to 17.

“The Games have been a huge success, they’ve brought people together from all over the world to compete, to make new friendships, and for a sporting celebration,” said Bakkafrost Scotland managing director Ian Laister.

“It’s great to see Kara Hanlon become WIIGA’s most decorated athlete of all time, she is an inspiration and embodies the spirit of the Games.

 “We are incredibly proud of the role Bakkafrost Scotland has played in making that possible, and we congratulate all the competitors for their achievements.”

An amazing week

WIIGA general team manager, Iain GG Campbell, said: “It was an amazing week and, while we try not to go into the Games with expectations, I think it’s fair to say our performance exceeded what we had hoped for.

“Kara’s performances were superb and rightly gained a lot of attention, but so many of our squad did really well.

“We are very proud of all of them – not just for their performances but also for the way they conducted themselves, the sportsmanship they showed.”

Shetland

Cooke Scotland sponsored the Shetland Island Games Association, gave £10,000 towards the Games, and provided salmon and many volunteers.

"We are delighted to sponsor and participate in the Orkney Island Games 2025. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening community connections, and supporting the islands where we operate," said Vicci Laird, Cooke's head of human resources in the UK. "What a fantastic week it has been, assisting and supporting our fellow islanders achieve the best results possible – and in the sunshine too!"

Shetland ended the Games with 17 medals – one gold, nine silvers, and seven bronzes. Grant Ferguson took gold in the individual mountain bike cross country, and silver in the mountain bike criterium.

The Faroe Islands topped the medal table with 95, including 41 golds.