Flights on a new direct route between Shetland and Stansted are already three-quarter full, according to an article in the Aberdeen Press & Journal.

Atlantic Airways' BA146 plane will take off from Sumburgh Airport for Stansted on Friday for the first time. The comapny has said that it is 'greatly encouraged' by the volume of bookings already received on the bi-weekly service.

Andy Steven, head of VisitShetland said recent coverage of the island group as part of the BBC Springwatch series had resulted in a 15% surge in holiday booking inquiries. 'The fact that all this interest comes as Atlantic Airways launches its new route from London means that more and more people can very easily turn the idea of a holiday in Shetland into reality,' he said.