SUCCESSFUL ATHLETES RETURN AFTER ISLAND GAMES GLORY

Successful athletes return after Island Games glory. The Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA) secured a bumper haul of medals at the 2025 International Island Games, with swimmer Kara Hanlon becoming its most decorated athlete of all time.

A squad of over 100 athletes, supported by main sponsor Bakkafrost Scotland, travelled to Orkney for the week-long multi-sport competition, with the team finishing eighth in the medal table behind winners the Faroe Islands.

HRH The Princess Royal attended the opening ceremony at Kirkwall’s Bignold Park, signalling the start of the event that brought together 3,000 participants, coaches, officials and volunteers from 24 member islands to go head-to-head for glory.

Breaststroker Kara, competing for the sixth time at the event, took her total medal tally to 17 at the Games by securing four golds and a bronze. There were also five athletics medals, with Abbie Stewart claiming silver and bronze in the women’s 1,500m and 800m respectively, while Arnie Ringstead won gold in the women’s javelin.

Leading salmon producer Bakkafrost Scotland is now in its tenth year sponsoring WIIGA and this year launched its new partnership between its flagship product Native Hebridean Salmon and the swimming team.

Ian Laister, Managing Director of Bakkafrost Scotland, said:

“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. 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.”

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, Bakkafrost Scotland’s sponsorship bolsters local athletes on their journey to the world stage.

The squad competed in 10 sports including archery, athletics, cycling, men’s football, women’s football, men’s golf, women’s golf and swimming.

The women’s half marathon team claimed gold and Mhairi Hall won bronze at the same distance thanks to her individual performance. On the final afternoon of the Games, the women’s football team pushed the overall medal total to 11 by winning bronze.

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.

“We are also very grateful for all the support Bakkafrost Scotland has given us. It is a tremendous partnership we have built together over the years and the support is invaluable.”