Meeting of the Parliament 02 June 2026 [Draft]
I congratulate Mr Currie on his first speech, and I welcome the minister back to her position, which I know that she is absolutely passionate about. I also strongly associate myself with Miles Briggs’s wise advice at the beginning of his speech.
At the risk of potentially traumatising Jackie Baillie, I vividly recall being in the Nezahualcóyotl stadium on the outskirts of Mexico City to watch Scotland crash out of the 1986 world cup—the last time the competition was played in Mexico. A drab 0-0 draw against 10 doughty Uruguayans heralded our most recent ignominious exit and left me and the tartan army, resplendent in our kilts and sombreros, crying into our Coronas.
I certainly share the mounting excitement of the nation, despite the best efforts of Trump and FIFA to suck every last drop of joy out of the experience. I am alive to the pain and despair that may inevitably be just around the corner, but that mounting excitement points to the potential legacy that the Scotland men’s team’s success could have. For those of us who are old enough to be guilty of taking world cup qualification for granted, we are now witnessing the joy and disbelief of all those who are under 30 for whom this is wholly uncharted territory.
The Glasgow Commonwealth games later this summer may not have the same novelty factor but, as we have previously seen, it too can inspire future generations to get active in sport. By active in sport, I do not just mean participating as athletes or footballers. Yes, to build a genuine legacy, we need facilities and equipment to be available and accessible, but we need coaches, officials and volunteers, too. It is they who open up opportunities, nurture talent and facilitate involvement.
I saw that at first hand last summer, when Orkney hosted the international island games—the largest multisport event anywhere in the UK in 2025. It was an outstanding success that showcased Orkney at its best with regard to the hospitality, organisation and overall quality of experience for all who were involved—including the splendid Orkney 2025 ties. It raised the bar for sport in Orkney and, no doubt, in Shetland and the Western Isles, too. It highlighted what can be achieved if we provide athletes, coaches and volunteers with the tools and support that they need.
However, it is not just about the elite level; it is about encouraging and inspiring people of all ages and abilities to get involved in sport or physical activity of any kind—for the physical and mental health benefits, the friendships and social opportunities and even just for the chance to shut out the never-ending news cycle for a bit.
Orkney 2025 was positive in so many ways, but seeing Orcadians feel such pride and joy in sharing their home with 3,000 fellow islanders was something that will live with me forever. It demonstrated the true power of sport.
While the island games takes a year off before landing in Faroe next year, there is plenty to look forward to in Orkney for the summer of sport, starting with the junior inter county this weekend. Orkney’s young footballers, netballers, athletes, swimmers and hockey players will seek to retain the Stuart cup for a fourth year against their Shetland counterparts, who will be desperate to turn the tables. While competition is always fierce, this unique contest has created lifelong friendships and bonds between our island communities over the past 80 years.
The same can be said of the North Isles sports, now in its 76th year, which will take place in Stronsay later this month. Westray will again be the team to beat—that pains me to say as a Sanday man—though the host, Stronsay, is the reigning champion in the blue-ribbon event, which is the tug of war.
The junior inter county and North Isles sports may not grab the same headlines as world cups or Commonwealth games, but entry is free, travel costs are reasonable and there is little prospect of being left crying into your Corona.