I’ve been honoured to take on the role as Financial Director of the Orkney Island Games 2025 and, as such, I have had the privilege of overseeing the financial management of an event that is much more than just a competition.
The Island Games, held every two years, bring together athletes from various islands across the globe to compete in a spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange.
With over 2,000 competitors and officials anticipated, this will be the largest event Orkney has ever hosted.
We are now only around 300 days away from the start of the games and, if you attend, you’ll be able to see sports like:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Golf
- Lawn Bowls
- Squash
- Sailing
- Triathlon
- Swimming
- Badminton
- Cycling
- Football
For Orkney, it’s not just an opportunity to showcase our sporting talents, but also our community spirit and the natural beauty of our islands.
This will be the 20th Island Games, and I know that everyone in Orkney is looking forward to it – the Scholes CA team certainly is!
In my role, I am responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability of the Games.
This involves budget planning, securing sponsorships, and managing expenditures to ensure that every penny is wisely spent.
The games attract thousands of visitors, athletes, and officials, making it essential that we balance the books while delivering a memorable experience for all involved.
One of the key challenges is managing funds from various sources, including public funding, private donations, and commercial sponsorships.
It’s crucial to ensure that these funds are allocated effectively, with a clear focus on transparency and accountability.
I’m working closely with the organising committee to forecast costs, monitor cash flow, and mitigate financial risks, all while keeping our long-term legacy goals in mind.
