SHETLAND began the big countdown to the 2005 NatWest Island Games last evening.

Twenty-one islands, represented by 54 delegates, congregated in the Scottish island last night to see the Coundown Clock set in motion at Clickimin Centre, Lerwick – 12 months before the start of the biennial games.

The delegates are being given a whistle stop tour of the Shetland Isles to see how the sporting facilites, accommodation and transport arrangements are shaping up.

Up to 3,000 visitors are expected in the islands next July for what is proving to be the biggest logistical challenge Shetland has ever faced, with almost every spare bed in the islands already booked up.

Cruise liners have been chartered to carry several teams to Shetland and act as hotels while they are there.

Games organiser Gary Jakeman says everything is on track for a successful event and is looking forward to showing the delegates, which include Jersey officials Bob McGinnigle and Gary Jones, how far the preparations have progressed.

Dr Carl Clinton will also be giving a talk on behalf of the Island Games association.