VisitShetland has reported a 15 per cent increase in the number of enquiries from people interested in visiting the Shetland islands in Scotland.

The sudden increase has resulted from indirect promotion by the BBC television nature programme Springwatch presented by Bill Oddie.

Andy Steven, area director for VisitShetland, said: “This exposure is an excellent way to showcase what we have to offer in Shetland, particularly to people living in south England.

“The increased interest from wildlife tourists interested in seeing Shetland otters and Orca whales coincides with the launch of a new flight route operated by Atlantic Airways from London Stansted to Sumburgh on Shetland.” Details: www.visitscotland.co.uk

Photograph: courtesy of Claris White