On Saturday 11 July Kirkwall took part in the Kings Baton Relay. The relay gave communities from across Scotland the opportunity to engage with the baton before it was presented at the opening ceremony.
For Orkney the baton’s arrival also marked one year since the county hosted the International Island Games.
Kirkwall was selected following a successful application by Kirkwall BID. They made sure the baton was given true Orcadian welcome. The streets were lined with people and live music, dancers and entertainment accompanied the baton on its journey from the pier to the steps of the cathedral and then on to The Pickaquoy Centre.
Kirkwall BID reached out to their member organisations that support the local community inviting them to nominate a representative to carry the baton. Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) was one of those organisations and the team selected Hannah Rendall to carry the baton their behalf. Hannah said:
It was an honour to be there to represent not only the team at VAO but also the volunteers, groups and organisations we work with. My stage of the relay started from outside our old office on Bridge Street which was very fitting. It was a lovely celebration of community spirit, and I was very grateful that the team chose me.
Morven Brooks, Chief Executive Officer at VAO said:
I am delighted that the team chose Hannah. She has worked at VAO for 19 years and it was great to see her time with us recognised by staff.
The event highlighted some of the many groups and organisations that provide vital services and support in the community. Some of us were there on Saturday to cheer Hannah and the other baton holders on - there was a wonderful atmosphere in the town.
The full list of the baton holders who took part is:
- Finlay Scott - Island Games Gold Medallist
- Sarah Scarth - Deputy Lord Lieutenant
- Hannah Rendall - Voluntary Action Orkney
- Rhoda Walker - THAW Orkney
- Allan and Stuart Lamont - Mind On
- Hannah Stanger - Relationship Scotland
- Barbara Graham - The Peedie Retreat
- Gillian Skuse and Mandy Kirkness - Age Scotland Orkney
- Abbie Craigie - Employability Orkney
- Clare Allison - The Blide Trust
- Karen Farquhar - Clan Cancer Support
- Taylah Paterson - Island Games Gold Medallist
