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Organisers are marking six months until Orkney hosts the 20th Island Games.
It is the first time Orkney has hosted the Games, making it a landmark occasion for the islands and Scotland, and it has announced Lorraine Kelly will host the Opening Ceremony.
From 12 to 18 July, Orkney will welcome around 2,000 athletes from 24 islands to compete in 12 sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, and Triathlon.
"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," said Kirsty Talbot Games Director .
"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."
Pictured: 2,000 athletes from 24 islands will compete in 12 sports: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Cycling, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, and Triathlon.
The Games is supported by principle funders the Scottish Government and Orkney Island Council.
More than 800 volunteers have stepped forward to take on vital roles, from stewarding events to supporting athletes and spectators.
The Games has already had a sporting impact on the island.
The Orkney Gymnastics Club was established in 2017 following Orkney's selection as the Games' host.
It has since grown to support over 300 gymnasts weekly, expanding competitive opportunities and securing state-of-the-art equipment with funding from sportscotland and Orkney Islands Council.
For the first time, a full sailing team will represent Orkney in the Games.
Enhanced by the acquisition of International Laser Class Association dinghies funded by sportscotland and The Royal Yachting Association Scotland, the local sailing community is experiencing a surge.
Some of the boats are remaining in Orkney after the Games.
Orkney's golf courses in Stromness, Orkney, South Ronaldsay and Westray, have also all benefited from funding which has been invested into team training, equipment, and course maintenance and development.
Pictured: This year's Island Games will be held in Orkney.
Orkney 2025 has announced that TV presenter and games ambassador Lorraine Kelly will step up to host the Opening Ceremony.
A regular visitor to Orkney for the past 40 years, she considers the islands her "happy place".
"I'm so thrilled to be an ambassador for Orkney 2025 and it is such an honour for me to have been asked to host the opening ceremony.
"Orkney is a very special place to me and 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 with the world just how special the islands are."
She will be teaming up with local presenter Stewart Bain to host.
The Games kick off with an Opening Ceremony and Athletes' Parade in Kirkwall on Saturday 12 July.
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 and 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."
For more information on the Orkney 2025 visit: orkney2025.com
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