Caithness Badminton Stars Shine at orkney Championships
ORKNEY, Scotland – Caithness badminton players dominated the R Clouston Orkney Championships 2025, a trial event for the upcoming Island Games 2025, with mark Mackay taking gold in men’s doubles and Shona Mackay claiming victory in women’s doubles. The tournament, held at the Pickaquoy Center in Kirkwall, featured intense competition and thrilling matches.
Mackay and Calder Secure Men’s Doubles Title
Mark Mackay, partnering with Shetland’s Thomas Calder, emerged victorious in the men’s doubles. Seeded second, the duo topped Group B and advanced to the main draw. They defeated Orkney’s Sam Groundwater and Sam Rendall in the semi-finals (21-15, 21-7) before comfortably securing the championship title against top seeds Andrew Reid and Matthew Reid of Orkney in the final (21-16, 21-14).
McCoustra and Groundwater Win Consolation Final
Mark McCoustra, teaming up with Orkney’s Ross Groundwater, faced a challenging start but ultimately triumphed in the consolation knockout event. After a tough pool stage, they defeated Orkney juniors Alex Adamson and Murray Clark (21-10, 21-9) in the consolation final.

Mackay and Mackenzie Conquer Women’s Doubles
Shona Mackay and Chloe Mackenzie showcased their skill and teamwork in the women’s doubles, earning the top spot.Seeded third, they topped their group with ease. In the quarter-finals, they defeated Shetland’s Aimee Keith and Amy Sineath (21-8, 21-11). The Caithness pair then faced the second seeds, Orkney’s Jody Groundwater and Rebecca Reid, winning in a thrilling three-set match (27-25, 22-24, 21-17). In the final, Mackay and Mackenzie maintained their winning momentum, defeating Orkney’s top seeds shannon Leslie and Gemma Foulis (21-18, 21-19) to clinch the championship.

Island Games Preview
The R Clouston Orkney Championships served as a crucial trial event, providing valuable experience for players ahead of the Island Games 2025, which will be held in Orkney in July. The strong performance of the Caithness players indicates promising prospects for the upcoming games.

Mark and Shona Mackay Dominate Badminton Tournament
Mackay claims both mixed doubles and men’s singles titles in compelling tournament.
Mackays Secure Mixed Doubles Title
Mark and Shona Mackay showcased exceptional form in the mixed doubles competition, culminating in a decisive victory against Andrew Reid and jody Groundwater, the second seeds. The final, a rematch of a previous encounter, saw the Mackays triumph with scores of 21-6, 21-16.
their path to the final included a quarter-final win over Chloe and Mark McCoustra (21-8, 21-12) and a semi-final victory against Ganesh Balaji and Elaine Gray (18-21, 21-3, 21-6).
Mark Mackay Clinches Men’s Singles Title in Thrilling Final
Mark Mackay also secured the men’s singles title after a hard-fought, three-set final against top seed ganesh Balaji. After dropping the first set 21-12, mackay rallied to win the next two 21-19, 21-18, after recovering from 11-0 down in the second set, in a 50-minute match testing his endurance and skill.
En route to the final, Mackay defeated Ross Groundwater in the quarter-finals (21-6, 21-13) and Andrew Reid in a semi-final that went to three sets (12-21, 21-19, 21-15).
Other Notable Performances
In other matches, Mark McCoustra displayed resilience by advancing from the group stages. His run ended in the round of 16 against Joe Thomson. Shona Mackay’s journey in the ladies’ singles saw her win against her sister Aimee Keith (21-7, 21-12) and lose against Jody Groundwater (21-17, 21-14).
Caithness Badminton Players Shine at Island Games Trial Event
CAITHNESS, Scotland—A quartet of badminton players from Caithness showcased their skills at a recent trial event, demonstrating their potential ahead of the upcoming Island Games. chloe, in particular, made a notable impact, topping her group with impressive victories.
Chloe Triumphs in Group Stage
Chloe dominated Group B, securing a notable win against second seed Laura Muir with scores of 21-13 and 21-18. She continued her winning streak by defeating Orkney’s Gemma Foulis 21-13, 21-12, ultimately clinching the top spot in her group.
Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Showdowns
In the quarter-finals, Shona faced a tough challenge against Orkney’s Shannon Leslie, with Leslie emerging victorious 21-15, 21-19. Chloe advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Rebecca Reid from orkney with scores of 21-12, 21-19.
The semi-final match saw Chloe pitted against Shannon Leslie. In a closely contested battle, Leslie ultimately secured the win with scores of 23-21, 22-20.
What is the primary purpose of this article, and how dose highlighting Caithness players’ success contribute to that purpose?
Caithness Badminton Stars Shine at orkney Championships
ORKNEY, Scotland – Caithness badminton players dominated the R Clouston Orkney Championships 2025, a trial event for the upcoming Island Games 2025, with mark Mackay taking gold in men’s doubles and Shona Mackay claiming victory in women’s doubles. The tournament, held at the Pickaquoy Center in Kirkwall, featured intense competition and thrilling matches.
Mackay and Calder Secure Men’s doubles Title
Mark mackay,partnering with Shetland’s Thomas Calder,emerged victorious in the men’s doubles. Seeded second, the duo topped Group B and advanced to the main draw. they defeated Orkney’s Sam Groundwater and Sam Rendall in the semi-finals (21-15, 21-7) before comfortably securing the championship title against top seeds Andrew Reid and Matthew Reid of Orkney in the final (21-16, 21-14).
McCoustra and Groundwater Win Consolation Final
Mark McCoustra, teaming up with Orkney’s Ross Groundwater, faced a challenging start but ultimately triumphed in the consolation knockout event. After a tough pool stage, they defeated Orkney juniors Alex Adamson and Murray Clark (21-10, 21-9) in the consolation final.
Mackay and Mackenzie Conquer Women’s Doubles
Shona Mackay and Chloe Mackenzie showcased their skill and teamwork in the women’s doubles, earning the top spot.Seeded third, they topped their group with ease. In the quarter-finals, they defeated Shetland’s Aimee Keith and Amy Sineath (21-8, 21-11). The Caithness pair then faced the second seeds, Orkney’s Jody Groundwater and Rebecca Reid, winning in a thrilling three-set match (27-25, 22-24, 21-17). In the final, Mackay and Mackenzie maintained their winning momentum, defeating Orkney’s top seeds shannon Leslie and Gemma Foulis (21-18, 21-19) to clinch the championship.
Island Games Preview
The R Clouston Orkney Championships served as a crucial trial event, providing valuable experience for players ahead of the Island Games 2025, which will be held in Orkney in July. The strong performance of the Caithness players indicates promising prospects for the upcoming games.
Mark and Shona Mackay Dominate Badminton Tournament
Mackay claims both mixed doubles and men’s singles titles in compelling tournament.
Mackays Secure Mixed Doubles Title
Mark and Shona Mackay showcased exceptional form in the mixed doubles competition, culminating in a decisive victory against Andrew Reid and jody Groundwater, the second seeds. The final, a rematch of a previous encounter, saw the Mackays triumph with scores of 21-6, 21-16.
their path to the final included a quarter-final win over Chloe and Mark McCoustra (21-8, 21-12) and a semi-final victory against Ganesh Balaji and Elaine Grey (18-21, 21-3, 21-6).
Mark Mackay Clinches Men’s Singles Title in Thrilling Final
Mark Mackay also secured the men’s singles title after a hard-fought, three-set final against top seed ganesh Balaji. After dropping the first set 21-12, mackay rallied to win the next two 21-19, 21-18, after recovering from 11-0 down in the second set, in a 50-minute match testing his endurance and skill.
En route to the final, Mackay defeated Ross Groundwater in the quarter-finals (21-6, 21-13) and Andrew Reid in a semi-final that went to three sets (12-21, 21-19, 21-15).
Other Notable Performances
In other matches, Mark McCoustra displayed resilience by advancing from the group stages. His run ended in the round of 16 against Joe Thomson. Shona Mackay’s journey in the ladies’ singles saw her win against her sister Aimee Keith (21-7,21-12) and lose against Jody Groundwater (21-17,21-14).
Caithness Badminton players Shine at island games Trial Event
CAITHNESS, Scotland—A quartet of badminton players from Caithness showcased their skills at a recent trial event, demonstrating their potential ahead of the upcoming Island Games. chloe, in particular, made a notable impact, topping her group with impressive victories.
Chloe Triumphs in Group stage
Chloe dominated Group B, securing a notable win against second seed Laura Muir with scores of 21-13 and 21-18. She continued her winning streak by defeating Orkney’s Gemma Foulis 21-13, 21-12, ultimately clinching the top spot in her group.
Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Showdowns
In the quarter-finals, Shona faced a tough challenge against Orkney’s Shannon Leslie, with Leslie emerging victorious 21-15, 21-19. Chloe advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Rebecca Reid from orkney with scores of 21-12, 21-19.
The semi-final match saw Chloe pitted against Shannon leslie.In a closely contested battle, Leslie ultimately secured the win with scores of 23-21, 22-20.
Caithness Badminton tournament: Q&A
Who were the standout performers at the R Clouston Orkney Championships?
Mark Mackay and Shona Mackay were the stars,winning gold in men’s doubles and women’s doubles,respectively. Mark also won both mixed doubles and men’s singles titles in another tournament.
What made Mark Mackay’s men’s singles victory so impressive?
Mark Mackay showed amazing resilience. He came back from 11-0 down in the second set of the final to win the match in three sets against top seed Ganesh Balaji.
How did the tournament serve as a trial event for the Island Games 2025?
The R Clouston Orkney Championships provided valuable match experience for players,allowing them to test their skills and prepare for the upcoming Island Games,which will be held in Orkney in July 2025.
Which other Caithness players had notable performances?
Chloe Mackenzie won her group stage. Mark McCoustra and ross Groundwater won the consolation final in men’s doubles.
What’s the significance of the Island games 2025 for Orkney?
Hosting the Island Games is a critically important event for Orkney,showcasing the region and providing a platform for local athletes to compete. The event is scheduled for July 2025.
These Caithness badminton stars are clearly in peak form. Keep an eye on them as they represent their region in the upcoming Island Games in Orkney!