From the Picky to the Podium: Finlay Scott reflects on Island Games success

Exactly one month ago, on Tuesday 15^th July, Finlay Scott made history, winning Orkney’s first ever squash Island Games gold, as the event was held on the island for the first time.

It was an incredible achievement, and while the final point could be timed in seconds it was a moment more than a decade in the making.

Finlay’s squash mettle was forged at The Pickaquoy Centre – known as The Picky to locals – a leisure centre, where sporting dreams are born.

He reflects: “The club had had an open day in 2013, where loads of young people came along, including the football team I played with back then.

“Some of the legends of the club were there coaching and introducing us to a new sport.”

The familiar to many walls of a squash court do not make a champion, it takes people, so many of whom were at the heart of Finlay’s squash journey.

He shouts out names familiar to most on the island, and many on the mainland, for their support that day and over the years: Betty Stanger, Ian Stout, Mike Stout, Shawn Tait and many more helped him along the way.

Countless hours on court, journeys to Shetland, to Inverness, to Gibraltar in 2019 and through Europe were part of the climb.

With the support of coach Ian Stout and fitness coach Lee Rendall, they built more than a team of individuals, they built a squad worthy of the island’s Viking heritage – a group of warriors, led by Finlay.

Progress through the early rounds set up a match with second seed Cameron Stafford – a laid-back shot maker, who made the sublime look simple.

Finlay remembers: “I knew going into the semi-final how tricky it was going to be – I think Cameron is probably the most skilful player I’ve stepped on court with – and I’ve played Gawad.”

“To get through that match mentally was such a relief, there was a lot of emotion, and I maybe let out a tear or two which showed how much it meant to me.”

After the match, Finlay was embraced by his team-mates, his coach, and – it felt – the Island.

Joy erupted at the squash courts as the local lad’s years of effort paid off – even his opponent paused, struck by the wave of emotion.

For many, a guaranteed silver medal would be enough – job done, party time.

Not for Finlay – who remained laser-focused on gold.

“There was a lot of excitement and a little bit of nerves going into it,” he says “but I tried to block that out and focus on the task at hand.

“It was some of the best squash I’ve ever played, I backed myself with everything I was doing.”

The Orcadian roar could be heard throughout The Picky as the gold was won, leaving Finlay with goosebumps and a memory that will last a lifetime.

“The celebrations were awesome after winning the final, the crowd was going wild and my family in the front row were in tears.

“They know how much work it took, and it was brilliant to give them a big group hug as soon as I came off court.”

While continuing to savour that moment, the drive to get better and push on is stronger than ever.

It’s a tough road for every athlete hoping to make it to the top of their sport, and for islanders like Finlay that road is often steeper – with fewer local competitions and the constant challenge of travel.

Unsurprisingly, given the grit and determination which make the player, Finlay has the drive to overcome all obstacles.

“This has given me so much confidence, and an insight into the standard I can play when I put everything into it.

“A personal goal for my career would be to represent the Scotland team in the Europeans, I think it’s everyone’s dream as a young person to represent their country and it’s something I’ve done at junior level.

“I’d also like to knuckle down and try to win a PSA satellite title.”

Humble and fiercely proud of his roots, Finlay is perhaps now the greatest ambassador for squash that Orkney could ask for.

Young players on the island already dream of playing doubles with him in future Island Games.

Perhaps one day, one of them will match his golden achievement.

The future is bright for Finlay Scott.

And the future looks bright for squash in Orkney.