As athletes descended on Orkney for the 20th International Island Games, one member of the host community has pulled on a different kind of uniform as she goes for gold at the Games.
WEBWIRE – Friday, July 18, 2025
Ellen Harcus, a valued member of Loganairs customer relations and ramp team at Kirkwall Airport, is swapping her high vis for football boots this week as she takes to the pitch for Orkney Womens Football Club in their debut appearance at the Games.
Ellen, who has worked with Loganair, the Official Airline Partner of this years Games, since June 2024, has recently secured a permanent role supporting the Inter-Island service. She is among a growing number of local women whove helped build Orkneys first competitive womens football squad.
The team, founded in 2006, the year Ellen was born, has been steadily gaining momentum, competing in the Highlands and Islands League since 2021. This year marks their first appearance in the Island Games.
Weve never been to an Island Games before, so to make our debut on home turf is really exciting,
said Ellen.
Some of the biggest crowds weve played in front of before have been 30 or 40 people, but this could be hundreds. The atmosphere is already building, and I think the nerves are starting to give way to real excitement.
Ellen first got into football playing alongside her brother as a child, before progressing to the senior womens team at just 12 years old. Since then, shes stayed dedicated to the sport while balancing a busy career at Kirkwall Airport.
She said:
Its a really varied job and no two days are the same. I love the pace and the fact that youre always learning. You also get to know the regulars really well. Theres a strong sense of community at the airport, and thats definitely carried through into the Games.
The UKs leading regional airline, Loganair, which has supported many visiting athletes from across the islands taking part with travel to Orkney, has also backed Ellens participation by enabling flexible time off during the tournament.
My managers been great,
Ellen said.
As soon as I found out Id made the squad, I let them know, and theyve worked around the schedule so I can take part and update them throughout the week depending on how far we progress.
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer at Loganair, said:
Ellens involvement in the Games is a great example of local talent contributing both on and off the field. We wish her and the Orkney team the very best as they compete this week.
As the Official Airline Partner, weve been working hard behind the scenes to help athletes, officials, and supporters travel to Orkney, and its rewarding to see the island community come together for such a significant event.
As the Island Games continue, Ellen and her teammates are ready to make history, bringing pride not just to their football club, but to Orkney as a whole.As athletes descended on Orkney for the 20th International Island Games, one member of the host community has pulled on a different kind of uniform as she goes for gold at the Games.
Ellen Harcus, a valued member of Loganairs customer relations and ramp team at Kirkwall Airport, is swapping her high vis for football boots this week as she takes to the pitch for Orkney Womens Football Club in their debut appearance at the Games.
Ellen, who has worked with Loganair, the Official Airline Partner of this years Games, since June 2024, has recently secured a permanent role supporting the Inter-Island service. She is among a growing number of local women whove helped build Orkneys first competitive womens football squad.
The team, founded in 2006, the year Ellen was born, has been steadily gaining momentum, competing in the Highlands and Islands League since 2021. This year marks their first appearance in the Island Games.
Weve never been to an Island Games before, so to make our debut on home turf is really exciting,
said Ellen.
Some of the biggest crowds weve played in front of before have been 30 or 40 people, but this could be hundreds. The atmosphere is already building, and I think the nerves are starting to give way to real excitement.
Ellen first got into football playing alongside her brother as a child, before progressing to the senior womens team at just 12 years old. Since then, shes stayed dedicated to the sport while balancing a busy career at Kirkwall Airport.
She said:
Its a really varied job and no two days are the same. I love the pace and the fact that youre always learning. You also get to know the regulars really well. Theres a strong sense of community at the airport, and thats definitely carried through into the Games.
The UKs leading regional airline, Loganair, which has supported many visiting athletes from across the islands taking part with travel to Orkney, has also backed Ellens participation by enabling flexible time off during the tournament.
My managers been great,
Ellen said.
As soon as I found out Id made the squad, I let them know, and theyve worked around the schedule so I can take part and update them throughout the week depending on how far we progress.
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer at Loganair, said:
Ellens involvement in the Games is a great example of local talent contributing both on and off the field. We wish her and the Orkney team the very best as they compete this week.
As the Official Airline Partner, weve been working hard behind the scenes to help athletes, officials, and supporters travel to Orkney, and its rewarding to see the island community come together for such a significant event.
As the Island Games continue, Ellen and her teammates are ready to make history, bringing pride not just to their football club, but to Orkney as a whole.
( Press Release Image: https://l8rn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/localimages/341412-1.png )
WebWireID341412
This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.
News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.
