Jun 10 2012

The Olympic torch is visiting both the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as it continues its journey through Scotland.

It will travel from Inverness in the Highlands, to Stornoway on the Western Isles, and will be carried on the islands by 40 torchbearers, chosen for their contributions to sport and their communities.

The flame will arrive at Kirkwall Airport in the Orkney Islands, and will be carried through the town by 20 torchbearers, including an appearance at the community celebration at The Pickaquoy Centre.

The first torchbearer will be Inga Kemp, 22, from Orkney, who will start with the flame in front of St Magnus Cathedral. Inga was nominated for her work in netball and hockey youth development coaching.

The torch will then be flown to Sumburgh Airport in the Shetland Islands, where a further 20 torchbearers will carry it through the town of Lerwick.

Among the torchbearers there will be Chris Rocks, 24, a fencer from Shetland who in 2010 won the Scottish Open Championship.

During its visit to Shetland, the torch will be taken across Clickimin Loch by boat by Matthew Cox, 42, from Shetland, before making a visit to the town’s community festival, and then leaving by helicopter.

The flame will also be taken to John O’Groats – regarded as the most northern point of mainland Britain, before arriving at Stornoway airport on the Western Isles in the early evening.

The Olympic torch is now more than a third of the way through its journey.

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