There was controversy surrounding the way the Isle of Man was described in a recent episode of Australian soap Neighbours when a character with a bank account here was said to be doing ’dodgy things’.

So we asked the public what they think the Isle of Man is known for around the world, as well as what people think it should be known for.

Joyce Mackay, 84 and Christine Hurst, 77, both from Union Mills, agree that the island is mostly known around the world for the TT. ’If you say TT, they know where it is,’ said Christine.

She thinks that the show’s description of the island as a tax haven is ’out of date’, explaining: ’They’ve put so many safeguards in now, the banks, and the government - so I doubt very much whether we are now.’

Asked if there is anything the island should be known for, Joyce said: ’The scenery. People come now to look at the Isle of Man, go around it, walk in it. It’s peaceful, and it’s very clean.’

Christina Stanton, 54, Douglas, also thinks the island is known around the world for the TT.

Having moved to the island relatively recently, she said: ’I needed a change in my lifestyle and this island provided me with absolutely everything, it’s been fantastic’

safe

As for what the island should be known for, she said:

’I feel safe.

’It’s quite a clean place.

’The fresh air is lovely, there’s always lots of things to do.’

When we asked Emily Giles, 24, from Guernsey, what the island is known for internationally, she said: ’Cats with no tails surely?

’And I suppose a lot of heritage actually, it seems to have quite a rich background.

’There’s a lot of museums here we’ve yet to visit, and castles. That’s probably what it is for us.

’It also has more interesting wildlife than some of the UK I feel.

’There’s also better shops than Guernsey. The shopping is 10 times better than ours’

Michael Griffith-Dixon, 25, also from Guernsey, said: ’Lack of Covid, that’s what it should be known for!’

’When people talk about tax havens, I think of the Channel Islands.

’But maybe that’s because I’m from the Channel Islands so my view of it is perhaps warped.

’But it (the island) wouldn’t be the first place that would come to mind.’

Robbie Moore, 53, from Maughold, also said that TT is the first thing that comes to his mind as what the island is known for.

He added: ’I don’t think it’s particularly seen as a tax haven anymore. I think it’s more of a financial centre.’

Asked what he thinks the island should be known for, Mr Moore said: ’I think there’s an element of our outdoor space which I don’t think is really out there enough, the fact that people are realising, especially with the Covid situation now, that there is more to life than cities and all that type of stuff.

’And people are actually seeing a bit more advantage to the island’s outdoor space - cycling, walking.

’Hidden natural gem, I think that’s the big thing we need to focus on - the natural side of the island.’