Whether it is seeing local athletes represent Scotland on the international stage or welcoming more than 2,000 competitors from 24 island groups for the Orkney 2025 Island Games – Orkney has a strong sporting history.

Last year’s Island Games is an excellent example of a major sporting event leaving a lasting legacy. While the event itself generated more than £4 million in economic benefit for Orkney and over £3 million for Scotland through participant and spectator spending, its value goes far beyond the financial impact.

The Games inspired more folk to get involved in sport, with increased club membership and participation. We saw investment in local facilities, strengthened sporting pathways, and the creation of new opportunities for athletes. Above all, it showed the next generation that no matter where they come from, they can aspire to compete on the world stage.

We saw a similar outcome from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Just 5 years after the games, the number of people involved in Community Sport Hubs across Scotland had almost doubled. That is a remarkable achievement. With Glasgow 2026 just around the corner, we have another opportunity to build on that success.

The Scottish Government’s £20 million investment in the 2026 Summer of Sport initiative is all about ensuring the benefits of hosting the Games are felt in communities across the country.

I am delighted that Orkney has secured £51,000 through the fund, to deliver a programme of free sporting activities for young people. A wide range of sporting sessions are available throughout the summer, reaching communities right across Orkney, with activities taking place in venues in Kirkwall and Stromness, along with local primary schools. This will also include visits to islands, Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, Eday, Rousay, Shapinsay, Papay and North Walls.

This is exactly the kind of legacy we want major sporting moments to create, not just memories of great competitions, but more opportunities for people of all ages to participate, improve their health and wellbeing, and discover a passion for sport.

I want to update Orkney News readers on the Scottish Government’s First Homes Fund, which I mentioned in my previous column. I am delighted that the fund has now opened for applications. It will provide eligible first-time buyers with up to £10,000 towards their deposit, helping more people take their first step onto the property ladder.

This is a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers in Orkney, and I would encourage anyone considering purchasing their first home to check the eligibility criteria and see whether they could benefit from the support available. For more details on the First Homes Fund and the application process, visit: www.mygov.scot/first-homes-fund

Alongside delivering on our commitment to open the First Homes Fund within the first 100 days of government, we also committed to submitting a proposal to the UK National Screening Committee to review the age at which bowel cancer screening is offered. This week, in my role as Public Health Minister, I delivered on that commitment.

This proposal follows a worrying increase in bowel cancer rates among people under 50, as recorded by Public Health Scotland over the past decade. We know that early detection can save lives, which is why it is important that we continue to look at how screening can evolve to support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for people across Scotland.

Prevention and early intervention remain at the heart of the Scottish Government’s approach to improving health. Our manifesto committed to trialling and piloting new innovations that help people stay healthier and identify potential health concerns as early as possible. This includes introducing ‘health MOTs’ for people over 40, and exploring how technology and community healthcare settings, including pharmacies, can play a greater role in supporting our prevention efforts.

Before I finish, I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Anne Widdecombe. The tragic circumstances surrounding her death are extremely troubling, and my thoughts are with all those who knew and loved her.

This is a regular column by Maree Todd SNP MSP. If there are Highlands and Islands MSPs who would like to send a regular column to The Orkney News they can email: news@theorkneynews.scot