News
Leading independent law firm Harper Macleod is lending its support to Team Shetland as it prepares to head off to the NatWest International Island Games in Guernsey next month.
The 103-strong team, comprising 88 competitors and 15 officials, will be heading to the Channel Islands ahead of the opening ceremony on 8th July.
Team Shetland will be taking part in ten sports including archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, football, golf, sailing, swimming, table tennis and triathlon. More than 2000 competitors from 24 island teams will be competing at the games which finish on 14th July. It is the first time they have taken place since 2019, with the 2021 games postponed due to the pandemic.
The support has added meaning for Harper Macleod this year. Lori Bulter, a trainee in the firm’s Lerwick office, will be waving off her partner Kieran Fraser who is a member of the cycling team heading to Guernsey. Also, Mary Rutherford, a member of the athletics team, is the daughter of Harper Macleod consultant Paul Rutherford, a well-known figure in the island business community.
Jenni Gear, lead partner for Harper Macleod in Lerwick, said: “The NatWest International Island Games is a fantastic opportunity for Team Shetland to compete on an international stage, particularly given the delay caused by the pandemic. We know that everyone has been training hard in anticipation of what will be an incredible trip to Guernsey.
“Sport is such an important part of the community. It brings people together and provides opportunities which don’t come around too often. We’re very proud to support Team Shetland and we wish everyone the very best of luck.”
Picture caption (left to right): Harper Macleod’s Lori Bulter, Jenni Gear and Robert Bell with Team Shetland competitors Angelika Samohvalova (swimming), Hayley Dixon (cycling), Kari Preacher (swimming) and Kieran Fraser (cycling).
Lesley Hutchison, vice chair of Shetland Island Games Association, said: “We’re delighted to have Harper Macleod supporting us again and it’s good to know some of our Team have a connection to the firm too. The Games are the highlight of our sporting calendar and we’re looking forward to an exciting week of sport in Guernsey.”
Harper Macleod’s support for the Shetland Island Games Association continues the firm’s commitment to sport at all levels, from grassroots to international. The firm sponsors Highland Rugby’s community development team, and is also a proud sponsor of the Glasgow Warriors professional rugby team. The firm was a key partner and legal provider to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, the legacy of which is still benefitting Glasgow and Scotland today.
“Sport is such an important part of the community. It brings people together and provides opportunities which don’t come around too often. We’re very proud to support Team Shetland and we wish everyone the very best of luck.”