Salmon sector backs Orkney ahead of first Island Games
Scottish salmon producers are supporting the 2025 International Island Games as the event comes to Orkney for the first time, with contributions ranging from sponsorship and logistics to community engagement.
Cooke Scotland, Scottish Sea Farms, and trade body Salmon Scotland are among those involved. Support includes safety vessels for sailing events, volunteer participation, and financial contributions to local teams.
Scottish Sea Farms is providing boats and crew for sailing competitions off Hatston Pier, as well as donating 60kg of salmon and £10,000 through its ‘Heart of the Community’ fund to support Team Orkney, which is fielding its largest-ever squad of more than 200 competitors. The funding covers kit, uniforms, and strips, with the company also acting as front-of-shirt sponsor for the Orkney team.
Cooke Scotland is a sponsor of the Shetland Island Games Association, while Bakkafrost Scotland, which farms on the west coast and in the Hebrides, is supporting the Western Isles Island Games Association and the region’s swimming team under its Native Hebridean brand. Bakkafrost is also participating in the Scottish salmon stand at the Games Expo.
The Games, which run from July 12 to 18, will host over 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups competing in 12 sports. The opening ceremony will take place at Bignold Park in Kirkwall and will be hosted by ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly, with HRH The Princess Royal officially opening the event.
Visitors to the Games Expo at the Pickaquoy Centre will be able to meet salmon producers and learn about the sector’s local economic impact and nutritional benefits.
Around 15 percent of all Scottish salmon is farmed in Orkney. Exports from the region totalled £97 million in 2024, up 46 percent year-on-year. HMRC data shows 11,651 tonnes were exported from Orkney last year, accounting for 11 percent of Scotland’s total salmon exports. The sector supports around 200 direct jobs on the islands.
Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott described the sector’s involvement as a natural fit, citing the nutritional value of salmon and the industry’s longstanding ties to island communities.