Latest news with #Orcadians
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Orkney sprinter creates history with double gold at Island Games
Taylah Paterson has become the first woman from Orkney to win double gold in the women's 100m and 200m at the Island games since 1985. The sprinter followed Hilary Rendall and the pair were pictured together following Paterson's success in the 200m. Paterson, who sprinted for Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, smashed through the finish line in the 100m in 11.90 seconds. It was the only sub-12 race at this year's Island Games, which is taking place in Orkney. Orcadians have claimed seven medals so far with Paterson's two joined by three silvers and two bronze. Read More Private Scottish island that is 'perfect film destination' goes on market Search for Kinloch Castle buyer to start as Rum residents back sale for redevelopment Project to improve visitor hub on Scottish island secures funding Paterson came out on top against Shetland's Katie Dinwoodie and Guernsey's Abi Galpin in the 100m. Dinwoodie then finished third in the 200m with Yyns Mon's Ffion Roberts claiming silver. Rendall carried her medals with her throughout the week and was thrilled that Paterson could join her in an exclusive club. The 2025 Island Games has been taking place since July 12 and runs until July 18, having been formally opened by Princess Anne. 24 islands take place in the competition including Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falkland Islands and the Cayman Islands among others.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Orkney sprinter creates history with double gold at Island Games
Paterson, who sprinted for Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, smashed through the finish line in the 100m in 11.90 seconds. It was the only sub-12 race at this year's Island Games, which is taking place in Orkney. Orcadians have claimed seven medals so far with Paterson's two joined by three silvers and two bronze. Read More Paterson came out on top against Shetland's Katie Dinwoodie and Guernsey's Abi Galpin in the 100m. Dinwoodie then finished third in the 200m with Yyns Mon's Ffion Roberts claiming silver. Rendall carried her medals with her throughout the week and was thrilled that Paterson could join her in an exclusive club. The 2025 Island Games has been taking place since July 12 and runs until July 18, having been formally opened by Princess Anne. 24 islands take place in the competition including Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falkland Islands and the Cayman Islands among others.
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
TV star masquerades as tattoo artist as small-island Olympics kicks off in Scotland
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Lorraine Kelly has featured in a surprise video for a local tattoo parlour in Orkney as thousands of visitors from across the world descend on the Scottish archipelago for the much anticipated Island Games. In the video posted online, the Scottish TV presenter pretended to be a tattoo artist to promote the Kirkwall business, which has released a special collection of tattoo designs ahead of the event. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The TV star, who calls Orkney her 'happy place' and visits every year, is an ambassador for the 20th edition of the games, which kick off on Saturday. Lorraine Kelly tattooed apprentice artist Calum | Inga Elder Teams from 24 island groups, including Menorca, the Cayman Islands and Greenland, are set to compete in the games, described as a small-island version of the Olympics. Inga Elder, the owner of Image Orkney in Kirkwall, said she messaged Ms Kelly ahead of the games after the star joined in her cousin's 'blackening' - a traditional wedding custom - on the island a couple of years ago. 'I've kept it a secret for a couple of weeks,' Ms Elder said. 'I wanted to explode and tell people, but I couldn't. None of my staff knew.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said the town was 'buzzing' as competitors and spectators arriving for the tournament. 'Everyone's excited and there's a lot of hype,' Ms Elder said. 'People have put flags on their houses. It's bringing Orcadians together again. 'We're proud of where we're from. And to welcome all these other tourists and sportspeople, it's just great.' Ms Elder said when she returned downstairs on Thursday evening after filming with Ms Kelly, she found the team from Bermuda in the salon, asking at reception when they could book in for tattoos. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Elder's husband, Calum Elder, is an apprentice artist at the salon and is competing for Orkney in the shot put competition on Monday. He competed as a swimmer at the games on the Isle of Man in 2001. 'I knew how special it would be to take part in the games in Orkney, so I wanted to find a way to shoehorn myself in,' he said. Mr Elder only started throwing in August last year, but as a competitive strongman it was a natural transition. He said: 'The games are about like-minded people coming together from all over the world, from places which are miles away but have similarities to the life we live in Orkney.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The games will be officially opened by the Princess Royal during the opening ceremony at a park in Kirkwall on Saturday, which is being hosted by Ms Kelly. The ceremony will be followed by an athletes' parade finishing at St Magnus Cathedral. The design for the Orkney 2025 medals | Kirstin Shearer Photography There are 12 sporting events taking place throughout the week, including athletics, swimming, cycling and gymnastics. Local businesses have been gearing up for months to prepare for the influx of visitors on the island. Ms Elder said: 'Everyone has come together to open later at night to offer food later at night. Everyone has cleaned up the front of their shops and put flowers and flags out. Everything's just looking sharp and colourful, it's lovely.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is the second time a Scottish island has taken the reins, with the games being hosted in Shetland in 2005.
STV News
06-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Orkney house prices see highest rise in Scotland since pandemic
Orkney house prices face highest rise in Scotland since the pandemic skyrocketing by over 60% The average price of a house in Orkney has risen by over 60% in the last five years – the steepest rise of any council area in Scotland. According to figures from the UK House Price Index, Orkney's house prices have outpaced the Scottish average nearly three times. The rise seen in Orkney is quite a bit higher than the council areas with the next highest rises: Midlothian at 48% and City of Glasgow at 38%. According to analysis from the Office of National Statistics, Orkney's house prices dipped during the first year of the pandemic. But when the rises began, they were significant. In April, May, June and July 2021, property prices rose by over 30% each month. A wave of similarly steep hikes was seen in April, May, June and July 2022 as house prices rose by more than 20% in each of those months. The first reductions in house prices since December 2020 came in April 2023 and continued month-on-month until January 2024. However, these reductions were all under 11%, with prices only reducing by more than 10% twice during that period. Prices began to rise again in April last year, although at a far more modest rate that before. They steadily increased up to a peak of 14.3% rise in January this year. That escalation curbed slightly with a further 11.7% rise in February and 11.8% in March. So where does this leave Orkney house prices since the beginning of lockdown up to this year? At the beginning of lockdown, March 2020, the average house price in Orkney was £131,476. As of March this year, five years later, the provisional average house price as of March 2025 was £215,580. This is a 63.9% rise. Drawing a comparison with the average house prices in Scotland over the same time period, in March 2020 the average house price was £151,856. In March 2025, it was £186,000. That's a rise of 22.4% What about Orkney's islands cousins? Over the same five year period, Shetland saw a 26.1% rise in prices – not far off the Scottish average. Meanwhile, the Na h-Eileanan Siar council area saw a 36.2% rise. While Orkney may have seen the highest percentage rise, it doesn't have the highest average house price. That title belongs to East Renfrewshire, with an average house price of £295,545. Shetland also has a higher average price than Orkney despite it's more modest rise, at £229,663. It's worth bearing in mind that any statistics that come from Orkney can show wild swings. This is because it produces a lower data set than other larger areas. In this case, a small number of very expensive homes being sold could heavily affect Orkney's average house price. However, long term trends provide a more reliable picture. News of high house prices, while unpleasant, will come as no shock to many Orcadians trying to buy. Karen Allan is the founder and owner of K Allan Properties, a local estate agent. She began selling houses just before lockdown got under way. Before that she and her husband had been developing properties for years. As such, she has developed a good understanding of the local market over the last 20 years. 'Orkney has a strong market. 'A lot of stock is circulating between all the agents on the island consistently all year round. 'Pre-pandemic was a lot cheaper, there is no two ways about that. 'The prices have shot up to an unbelievable level.' Asked why this is, she said: 'During Covid, our rural lifestyle was extremely desirable. 'This resulted in properties selling at inflated prices. 'This naturally led to inflation on market data and home report valuations rose substantially as a result. 'Prices went a bit too high, and we started to see properties reduce across to the island. 'Stock took a bit longer to sell at certain stages, especially when the mortgage rates went very high. 'There was no choice but to stabilise this with a sensible starting point when going to market.' Asked about the effect this has all had on local buyers she said it has been a tough pill to swallow for them. 'It took a long time, but I feel the locals have sadly had no option but to accept the prices and the offers over price tags. 'I feel harsh saying this. It wasn't accepted easily in the beginning of the housing boom. 'It was hard at first as we were in an unprecedented market after lockdown. 'Locals were sadly being deflated with multiple rejections. It really was a harsh time for them. Despite this, she said she is continues to advise people on how to make a move. 'It's not impossible and my 19-year-old son making it onto the property ladder recently is testament to that. 'Ultimately, financial planning is key to achieving this and the bigger a deposit you have, the better chance you'll have of making it happen.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Press and Journal
15-05-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
Blood bank visits Orkney for first time in 15 years, and donors couldn't wait to help save a life
First-time donors packed the Blood Bank's first visit to Orkney in more than 15 years. Across three days this week, staff from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) have been running donor sessions in Kirkwall's Pickaquoy Centre. These are being held as pilot programme which will be reviewed in the coming months. If all goes well, Orkney could be included in future annual collection programmes across the north after being left off for more than a decade. When the visit had been announced, the Blood Bank hoped to see 75 donors per day. Dr Sylvia Armstrong-Fisher, the organisation's Head of Territory Northern Arch, explained they'd already exceeded that with 157 attendees in the first two days. They'd been expecting a further 88 throughout Wednesday's session. With last blood donor session in Orkney being in 2009, perhaps it should not be a surprise that just over 53% of the locals they've seen are new donors. While this means extra time on admin for the team, Dr Armstrong-Fisher said getting new donors is important for the service as it means maintaining a much-needed healthy stock of people willing to donate. Dr Armstrong-Fisher said: 'It's been very busy but we've had a really tremendous response from the people of Orkney. 'We've had an enormous turnout from new donors. 'If everything's going smoothly, it would take one hour for someone to give blood. 'But we have so many first-time donors that they're not used to the process and there's a lot of questions to go through. 'We also have to make sure every donor has the very best experience.' So why haven't there been session in Orkney for so long? Dr Armstrong-Fisher said: 'In 2009, due to challenges with transporting blood back from Orkney, and other issues such as staffing, we undertook a full review of Orkney collection. 'As a result of this review, which identified significant challenges with logistics and staffing, Orkney collection was ceased at that time. 'We've been pleased to return as part of a pilot. 'We've asking both donors and staff for feedback on their experience. She also explained that the logistics of carrying out the donation session on an island can 'make things a little twitchy.' Each day, a vehicle holding the blood in controlled storage had to leave the Pickaquoy centre at about 3.15pm to catch the afternoon ferry from Stromness to the Scottish mainland. It then makes its way down to wherever a team from Inverness are working that day, which has meant a trip to Elgin some days. This has to be done within 24 hours, so any delay to the ferries could knock back the order of things. After that, the blood then travels further to Edinburgh and the Jack Copland Centre. Orcadians have certainly stepped up to use the visiting service with all slots completely filled within four days of being announced. Speaking to two of the donors, they said they wanted to do what they can. Waiting give blood, Stephanie Scollie, from Kirkwal,l said: 'It's something I've always wanted to do just to see if I can help somebody. 'My sister had a blood transfusion during her pregnancy. So it was an easy decision to come along and do it. Tanya Digby was in the process of giving blood. She said: 'I've done it because I would hate to think of an operation being cancelled for anyone because there's a shortage of blood. 'It's the one thing I can do to help.'
