Peedie Kirk United Reformed Church within the National Synod of Scotland played an important part in the historic 20th International Island Games.
From 12-19 July, the Orkney Islands welcomed more than 2,000 athletes and 900 volunteers at what is believed to be Europe’s largest multi-sport event of 2025.
During the opening ceremony, led by Princess Anne and hosted by Orkney enthusiast and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, a crowd of 3,000 gathered to the east of Kirkwall. Following the ceremony, athletes paraded through the town centre, right past Peedie Kirk. Seizing the opportunity to serve, the church opened its facilities to offer free toilet access and water refills to both athletes and the swelling crowds.
The games brought together participants from 24 island communities from around the world, such as teams from Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, to compete in 12 sports supported by officials from national bodies such as the Royal Yachting Association, Badminton Scotland, and the Scottish FA.
Throughout the week, Peedie Kirk’s church hall served as a home base for the bowling competitors, who used the space for storing equipment and enjoying refreshments. Bowling turned out to be one of the surprise hits of the Games, drawing unexpectedly large crowds and appreciative athletes glad for the haven provided by the church.
The URC’s support didn’t end there. A dedicated Chaplaincy Service, hosted by the Kirkwall Council of Churches – comprising local congregations both within and beyond Kirkwall – offered spiritual support at the main venue housing five of the sports. This ecumenical effort was largely made possible through funding from the URC National Synod of Scotland, through a special trust for one-off ecumenical activities.
Peedie Kirk’s contribution was further amplified through its members who joined the Games’ army of volunteers. They were seen performing a range of roles—from maintaining badminton courts, commentating on live golf broadcasts, managing medal ceremonies, to running Badminton IT.
The Revd Susan Kirkbride, Minister of Peedie Kirk, said: “We were delighted to play our part as part of the community in making this one of Orkney’s most memorable events. The sunshine was the cherry on the icing on the cake! We were so proud that of the just 60 local community champions, nominated by locals to present some of the 1400 medals, three were associated with our church, indeed one was Church Treasurer Ray Kemp.”
To learn more about the Games, visit: www.orkney2025.com