The Princess Royal paid a visit to the Orkney Islands on Saturday to attend the opening ceremony of the long awaited Island Games.
The biannual games brings together athletes from islands across the world for a week of sports, including archery, swimming and bowls.
With over 2000 athletes and 2000 spectators expected, the Scottish archipelago is well and truly in the spotlight for five days of sporting excellence.
Joining Princess Anne at the opening ceremony was television presenter Lorraine Kelly who is ambassador of the Island Games. Lorraine is known to have a love for Orkney and visits regularly.
Before officially opening the games, HRH gave a speech where she welcomed athletes, volunteers and their family to the island.
She said: “An enormous thank you to everyone who has made it possible for the games to be brought here.”
Princess Anne has delivered a speech during a visit to Orkney, where she officially opened the 20th Island Games. pic.twitter.com/PMe5NuvAAl
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The Princess continued: “Not everyone will win a medal, but I hope all of you enjoy the experience of being part of these Island Games.”
Orkney is a group of 70 islands located to the north of mainland Scotland.
It is famous for its Neolithic history and rugged landscapes, and is well known for its world renowned whiskey distillery at Highland Park – as well as Orkney cheese.
As well as being home to 22,000 islanders, around 25,000 seals also live in the waters surrounding the shores, and puffins can be spotted on the cliffs.
