'Untamed' islands top in world for wildlife

A GROUP of British islands noted for wildlife and remoteness have been included in a list of the 10 best regions in the world for tourism by travel guide Lonely Planet.

The Shetland Islands, north of Scotland, are described as possibly "the last untamed corner of the UK" in Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2011 publication.

The islanders are seen as "a fiercely independent and self-reliant bunch" living in an area where it is easy to spot whales, otters, seals and puffins.

Shetland capital Lerwick is described as a "must-include port of call for cruise ships" and where a new film and music centre opens next year.

Visitors are urged to try local delicacies including seawater oatcakes, Shetland black potatoes and rhubarb with mackerel or herring.

Another British set of islands, the Orkneys, features in the 10 best things to climb section, with the Old Man of Hoy's iconic

450ft-high sea stack an invitation to "gather your grappling

hooks".

The publication also listed the Isle of Man TT motorbike race as one of the 10 world tourism best things to do.

The guide said: "A haven for tax dodgers and outdoorsy types most of the year, the remote oddball Isle of Man transforms itself in May and June for the Tourist Trophy."

Lonely Planet also rated Edinburgh and its partner-swinging ceilidh dance as one of the 10 best places for dance fever.

The Scottish capital has "dance classes and ceilidhs for all levels of experience".

Whitby in Yorkshire and also London feature in the top 10 vampire-spotting places in the world.

The guide said Whitby had become a popular spot for vampire fanciers inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula novel which describes how the most famous vampire of all came ashore at Whitby following a shipwreck.

London makes the top 10 thanks to its Dracula tour which includes a trip to Highgate Cemetery in north London.