Islanders say Shetland boasts a great lifestyle for residents

The Birmingham Post is also now to visit Shetland to do a more balanced review of life there.

Islanders were upset on learning the area had been labelled depressing - and that they were in the Arctic Circle.

The apologetic newspaper said: "The idea is to pay a visit to Shetland and write an informed piece."

We said that it was in the Arctic Circle, plainly it isn't Shahid Naqvi Birmingham Post

When asked for their reaction, Shetlander said: "Birmingham strikes me as one of the dullest places on earth."

Another added: "Shetland is the best place in the world, all we need is better weather."

Birmingham Post reporter Shahid Naqvi told BBC Scotland: "The article started by saying if you think that Tipton, which is part of the West Midlands, on a wet windy day is depressing think again.

'One-sided'

"We then said that the most depressing place apparently in the British Isles is Shetland.

"We said that it was in the Arctic Circle, plainly it isn't, and we spelt the festival, Up Helly Aa, wrong which caused offence.

"The idea is, having caused this rumpus, to pay a visit to Shetland, experience the island, come back and write an informed piece on what it's really like up there - which will hopefully redress the balance."

Locals argue they have stunning scenery and wildlife

The Shetland Times newspaper had highlighted the story, and editor Jonathan Lee said: "What got me was it was such a one-sided view of Shetland making out it was the most depressing place to live in the UK, nothing good about the place at all.

"Also, in saying it they had made serious inaccuracies.

"It's not all doom and gloom here, there's lots to be said for Shetland - beautiful wildlife and stunning scenery."

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael said: "It's pretty rich, we have a great lifestyle in Shetland.

"It's not a difficult decision to make as to which community we would rather be part of."