Shona looking forward to 'amazing atmosphere' at Island Games
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As a mum of two who lives and works on a busy farm, Shona Mackay has still found the time and commitment to establish herself as one of the north's top female badminton players.
She and husband Mark were among a small contingent from Caithness who took part in a competition in Orkney earlier this month which set the seal on this season's tournament circuit.
But while Mark and her other county club-mates can enjoy a break from the sport, Shona has her sights firmly set on what has been the main focus for her this year: the NatWest International Island Games in Guernsey.
The 35-year-old has again been selected to represent her native Shetland at the games, which start on July 8. Usually held every two years, this will be the first since 2019 as a result of the pandemic.
It will be her fifth games, with the 2015 event in Jersey having provided her with her best memory in her sport when she and her dad Gordon Keith won a silver medal in the mixed doubles.
She made her debut in the games held in Shetland in 2005 – her only involvement while a resident there.
Shona is among nine players chosen for Guernsey and will partner Ramsay Hogg in the mixed and Chloe Hitchin in the level doubles as well as taking part in the singles.
Having finished sixth in the last Island Games in Gibraltar, Shetland will be among the second seeds in the team competition, which has attracted 17 entries.
She will go into the event after a highly successful season in which she and Mark have won an array of silverware at local, district and national open events.
Mark will not be playing in Guernsey but will have an off-court role assisting Shetland badminton coach Andy Bowman.
While Shona will be unable to play a full part in the preparations, she has been given a bespoke training programme to ensure she is in tip-top condition.
The couple, who live in Dunnet, are to fly north to take part in two weekend coaching stints in Lerwick, while Shona has also arranged to play some bounce games in Orkney.
"The biggest problem is where I go to train," she said. "I will be doing most of it in Castletown hall and I have three strength and conditioning sessions a week in the gym in Thurso.
"We also have a treadmill in the garage at home and I will be going out running once or twice a week."
The couple will be accompanied during their time at the week-long games by their daughters, nine-year-old Sophie and Katie, who is six.
"This will be Sophie's third games," Shona said.
"Originally I was going on my own but we've managed to organise things on the farm so that we can all go.
"My mum and dad are also going to be going down."
Shona is looking forward to again savouring the distinctive aura of the Island Games.
"The atmosphere is amazing," she said. "It attracts over 2000 competitors and it's great being able to watch all the other sports."
The International Island Games Association is made up of teams from 24 small islands that take part in a range of sports.
