2026 Summer of Sport

It’s Game On as The Pickaquoy Centre delivers activities as part of the 2026 Summer of Sport

The £20 million Scottish Government investment will help young people across Orkney get involved in sport and activities

The Pickaquoy Centre has secured funding, facilitated by sportscotland and distributed through Orkney Islands Council, to deliver sport and activities for children and young people across Orkney as part of the 2026 Summer of Sport.

The £20 million initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, will offer young people aged three to 26 the opportunity to get active and maybe try something new.

The 2026 Summer of Sport is a unique opportunity for communities across Scotland to embrace the excitement of sport, inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2026 Commonwealth Games, both of which will showcase Scotland on the global stage and inspire young people to take part, get active and begin their own journey in sport and activity.

Through this investment, The Pickaquoy Centre will deliver a range of free activites throughout the summer and beyond, helping remove barriers to participation and ensure more young people have the chance to get involved. The activites included Free of charge are:

NICAS Ascend Climbing
Run Jump Throw
Youth Strength & Conditioning

As part of the 2026 Summer of Sport, The Pickaquoy Centre is working with sportscotland and partners across the country to ensure these opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of background. The funding will enable the delivery of activities designed to help young people develop healthy habits, build stronger social connections, and foster a lifelong love of movement.

To find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport, visit: sportscotland.org.uk/2026

Summer Holiday Climbing!

 

This Summer we have a range of climbing sessions to get on the wall or in the cave over the school break. Our Sessions are as follows:

Fun Climbs & Bouldering - 1 hour sessions on either the climbing wall or bouldering cave. sessions based purely on having fun with instruction from our climbing team

Family Climb - Adult & Child (4yrs+) pairs. enjoy climbing together with help from our Instructors. Adults can learn how to belay as the child (age 4+) climbs. Note: this session can only be booked at reception or on 01856 879900

NICAS Wild Climbers  - for age 3 to 6. Wild Climbers is a fun game-filled programme that introduces young learners safely into the indoor climbing environment. New to the wall here at Picky, our Easter taster sessions. More information on the scheme can be found at the NICAS website here: NICAS Wild Climbers

NICAS Ascend  -  NICAS Ascend is a new climbing award scheme designed for – and tested with – disabled and neurodivergent climbers. The scheme provides a framework that enables young people with disabilities or complex needs not only to take part in climbing sessions but also to work towards and be recognised for their achievements. More information on the scheme can be found at the NICAS website here: NICAS Ascend 

To help our Instructors get the best out of the session, please complete this pre-climb questionnaire  and send it to courses@pickaquoy.com or hand in at reception. Bookings can be made at reception or on 01856 879900

Game on! this activity is funded by the Summer of Sport

 

NICAS - A chance for those enrolled in our term time NICAS classes to continue to work on their logbooks over the summer break. For levels 1 to 3

BoulderComp Session - Climb Scotland's annual Fun Boulder Competition runs from 6 July to 10 August - here is your chance to try out the routes during a class! more information can be found here: climbscotland

Bouldering Induction - We have a day time option during the holidays - Tuesdays 1230-1300. Otherwise we have evening sessions each Tuesday from 1930-2000. Book at reception or on 01856 879900

 

Click here to see the full schedule

 

 

Book Online 

 

 

 

Arena Inflatables

Available through the ActiveLife membership or pay as you go, we have Inflatable sessions most days through the holidays. We have sessions for Under 5s, Under 11s and ASN Friendly sessions. During these sessions all children must be accompanied by an a adult. 

ASN Friendly Inflatables - During the school holidays, our Inflatable sessions can be a busy place! Each Monday and Wednesday we have a dedicated session for children with additional support need and their families to enjoy our Inflatables. The more relaxed atmosphere, along with customers being understanding of others, allow more children to get the benefit of our inflatables.

 There is no need to book, just come along on the day!

 

Click here to see the full schedule

Youth Strength & Conditioning 

For ages 8 to 16, our youth S&C sessions introduces the fundamentals of strength training, designed to accelerate the health, wellness and movement quality of young people. There are many benefits to strength and conditioning training for young people, including building muscular strength and endurance, boosting self-esteem and improving mental health.

Our Youth Strength and Conditioning sessions teach the basic fundamental movements of strength training, discipline and the ability to challenge yourself while having fun.

Tuesdays 7th July to 11th of August (Show week - Tue 4 Aug)

• 8-12 years 1000-1045
• 12-16 years 1100-1200

Game on! this activity is funded by the Summer of Sport

 

Book Online 

Run Jump Throw

Run, Jump, Throw is our introductory athletics programme for children.

The focus of the session will be multi-activity/skill based using a variety of fun games and activities, promoting general skill development of fundamental movement skills.

Thursdays 9, 16, 23, 30 July, Tuesday 4 August & Thursday 13th August

Classes are set by the 2026/27 school year.

• p1-2 years (Age 5+) 1315-1415
• p3-5 years 1430-1530

Game on! this activity is funded by the Summer of Sport

 

Book Online