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This roundabout is the only one of its kind.

Travellers venturing to the Faroe Islands might be taken aback to discover the world’s first underwater roundabout during their visit.

The roundabout sits within the Eysturoy Tunnel, which was inaugurated four years ago in December 2020 and has significantly reduced journey times between the different islands in the archipelago.

Whilst positioned roughly midway between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands form part of the Kingdom of Denmark, though they’ve enjoyed self-governance since 1948.

The islands’ position means that unpredictable weather conditions can pose challenges for travel, prompting the development of an extensive tunnel network – 17 on land and four beneath the sea, with the deepest point sitting 187m (613ft) below sea level.

The Eysturoy Tunnel and its roundabout are thought to have slashed journey times from the capital, Torshavn, to the village of Runavik from an hour and 14 minutes down to a mere 16 minutes, reports the Express.

The Faroe Islands comprise 17 populated islands alongside numerous smaller islets and reefs.

Speaking about the tunnel network, Súsanna Sørensen, marketing manager of Visit Faroe Islands, remarked: “Though we are 18 islands, we often joke that we defy the fact that we are islands (thanks to the tunnels).”

Whilst the prospect of navigating an undersea tunnel in the Northern Atlantic might seem daunting, the tunnels were designed with precisely this concern in mind.

Teitur Samuelsen, chief executive of Eystur-og Sandoyartunlar, the firm running the tunnels, said: “The tunnels are designed by the world’s leading engineers and geologists, so safety with regards to the Atlantic above is not an issue.”

According to CNN, the Eysturoy Tunnel is “magical” to navigate, with the roundabout appearing so dramatic that its colours have drawn comparisons to the Northern lights, or even jellyfish.

And it’s not only this tunnel that boasts visual appeal – artwork and installations feature in several of the other tunnels as well.

Take the Sandoy Tunnel, for instance, which links the islands of Streymoy and Sandoy. It’s adorned with glow-in-the-dark totems, paying tribute to figures from Faroese folklore.

Speaking about the choice to invest in embellishing these tunnels, Teitur Samuelsen remarked: “We have a lot of good art in the Faroes, and we’d like to support our artists. In addition, it breaks up the monotony in a long, dark tunnel, so it’s good for driving safety.”

Quaint fishing village has a picture-perfect harbour, historic cobbled streets, a gorgeous tidal pool and a lovely stretch of sandy beach – and no cars are allowed inside the village

A stunning Cornish fishing village is winning over visitors with its idyllic harbour, historic cobbled streets, delightful tidal pool and a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. The icing on the cake? Cars are not permitted within the village, creating a genuine sense of stepping back in time.

With charming cottages and compact fishermen’s houses, this Cornish treasure is a must-see. Situated on the South West Coastal Path, the main village has a modest population of around 572 residents, according to the 2021 census.

The village itself has a rich fishing history and features a traditional harbour, while a thriving artistic community adds to its allure.

Its narrow cobbled streets prohibit cars, meaning drivers must park a short distance away in the main car park or further afield in neighbouring areas, before walking or catching the bus into the village, reports Cornwall Live.

Things to do

There’s plenty to keep you occupied in the picturesque village of Polperro. This enchanting spot offers a plethora of activities for visitors, from browsing quirky local shops and museums to immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant arts scene that infuses its many attractions.

The Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum is essential viewing, celebrating the village’s remarkable history rooted in smuggling and fishing traditions. Another gem is the Polperro Arts Foundation, a charitable organisation devoted to supporting and showcasing local talent. They run a gallery inside the Polperro Village Hall, displaying works by their community members.

During your stay, make certain to pop into the village’s beloved watering holes, The Three Pilchards and Blue Peter Inn, where you can tuck into a substantial meal with a pint or glass of wine.

Polperro’s breathtaking shoreline offers countless adventures, from taking a dip in the Victorian Chapel Rock Tidal Pool (reached by steps) to exploring rocky coastlines and hidden bays along Polperro Beach. Situated close to the harbour, it’s perfect for swimming and splashing about, especially when the tide is out.

Tourists can also take a relaxing stroll along the South West Coast Path, providing scenic routes with sweeping vistas. A treat for ramblers, this clifftop trail delivers magnificent ocean and countryside views, winding past towering cliffs, breathtaking scenery, and secret beaches along the way.

What travellers are saying

One delighted guest comments on Tripadvisor: “Unique little Cornish village with tiny passageways between quaint houses. Feels like stepping back in time. Lovely little harbour, but sadly, very few fishing vessels are still working here. Few nice shops selling handmade goods.”

One holidaymaker recently reviewed their stay, saying: “We stayed in Polperro for our Cornwall trip and it was a good choice. Quiet and some very scenic walks around. It’s like a mini Venice. Lovely little shops, galleries and the Blue Peter Inn and the Three Pilchards are bustling with good food, drink and good company. On weekends, there will be live music in the evening too. People here are lovely and laid back. “.

Another admirer of the charming fishing village shared on Tripadvisor: “Polperro is absolutely lovely …we are at the end of a week here, and are already making plans to come back. Done the coastal walks to both Looe, and to Lansallos .. stunning .. Every evening we walk down to the harbour, just to sit and take it in.”

Yet another visitor, describing it as “out of this world”, penned: “I will start by saying that Polperro itself is out of this world. It can only be described as a quaint little fishing village with a harbour that offers boat trips to nearby Looe with stunning views aplenty. You can take a walk along the cliffs and beach, and the harbour has plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to stop in.”

Another tourist remarked about the charming village: “It’s a bit of a walk from the car park into town, but it’s well worth it when you get there, with quirky little alleyways, cute smugglers’ cottages, a working harbour offering boat trips and plenty of traditional Cornish pubs. You’ll find plenty of pubs and cafes to refuel on fresh fish dishes, Cornish pasties or cream teas, as well as lots of independent retailers. You can also take boat trips from the harbour and access the south west coast path.”

Jan. 2 (UPI) — Chinese electric car maker BYD surpassed Tesla in annual sales in 2025.

BYD said it sold 2.26 million battery electric vehicles in 2025, a boost of 28% year over year, the company said in a statement Thursday. BYD’s total deliveries from BEVs and plug-in hybrids were about 4.6 million vehicles.

Tesla sold 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, which is about an 8% decline from 2024, the company announced Friday. It’s the company’s second-straight annual drop.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk once laughed at BYD cars in an interview on Bloomberg TV in 2011. He said, “I don’t think they have a great product,” CNBC reported Musk said.

Musk spent the first half of 2025 working for the federal government in the administration of President Donald Trump as the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency. He left in May amid a fight with Trump.

In November, Tesla shareholders approved a new pay package for Musk.The firm said 75% of shareholders with voting rights backed Musk’s 10-year pay deal, which could net him $1 trillion over that time by boosting his stake in Tesla by more than 423 million shares.

Though shares dropped significantly in the first quarter of 2025, they are back on track with an all-time closing high of $489.88 last month, after Musk said it had been testing driverless vehicles in Austin, Texas.

The move comes as part of a wider plan to cut the number of vehicles in central London

In the new year, certain drivers who are now exempt from an additional fee will have to pay the charge. From January 2, 2026, an existing discount will be removed, following an announcement from London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor has confirmed that in 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from London’s Congestion Charge. While EVs previously received the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, they will now be subject to charges as part of an overall effort to cut down the number of vehicles in the city centre.

Transport for London announced that January 2 is the specific date when numerous alterations will be implemented. Starting then, electric van and lorry drivers will benefit from a 50% discount to enter the zone, while electric car drivers will receive a 25% reduction.

Electric vehicle drivers will be required to pay a £13.50 fee to access the zone, while electric van owners will face a £9 charge. Nevertheless, by March 2030, discounts will decrease to 25% for electric vans and lorries, and to 12.5% for electric cars.

The standard Congestion Charge for non-electric vehicles will rise from £15 to £18 starting January 2. This marks the first increase since 2020.

People living in the zone can expect discounts of up to 90%. However, those moving into the area after March 1, 2027, will not qualify for a discount unless they own an electric vehicle.

Reductions of up to 100% will remain in place to assist low-income and disabled residents of London. According to the Mirror, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said last month: “Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.

“While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.

“We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I’m pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone.”

Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy, added: “If we want to ensure that London remains a thriving city for everyone to enjoy, then it’s vital that traffic and congestion is kept under control and managed effectively.

“The changes to the Congestion Charging scheme play a key role in allowing us to do that, while striking a careful balance that enables drivers, businesses and other organisations to continue transitioning to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport.”

Within Transport for London’s press announcement, Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Manager at climate charity Possible, also said: “Tying the Congestion Charge to public transport fares is welcome. It’s only right to make sure that public transport doesn’t get disproportionately more expensive than driving. We’re also pleased to see new support for electric car clubs.

“We need to cut traffic and invest in accessible and affordable public transport, and make sure Londoners can walk, wheel and cycle safely. This will put us on the path to a healthier, fairer London – reducing air pollution and making the city safer for everyone.”

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PLODDING down the steep cobbled ramp, I was already starting to believe that I was stepping into a fairytale.

The boat, bobbing on the water, was the start of my journey to another world.

And, as I drew closer to my destination — a small, mist-shrouded island that was the inspiration for Neverland in JM Barrie’s Peter Pan stories — the storybook setting felt even more real.

Eilean Shona is a rugged tidal island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.

“Hidden gem” is an apt description of the place, with visitors having to drive down a long and winding road on the mainland before they even reach the boat taxi that will ferry them to the island.

Boats aren’t on a regular schedule either — the island, and its manor house, Eilean Shona House, is privately owned by Sir Richard Branson’s sister Vanessa, who transformed the destination into a luxury eco-friendly retreat in the 1990s.

BLUE SKYE THINKING

Explore the scenic wonderland of the Hebrides on a personalised cruise

PEX APPEAL

Escape the crowds and take a dip in basement pool of Edinburgh’s Apex Hotel

I really did feel like Wendy when I spotted Neverland for the first time, hidden beneath the clouds.

Just like JM Barrie’s mythical land, the island is covered in thick green woodland.

But this is far from your typical island retreat. Don’t expect speedy wifi, shops and roads, because Eilean Shona is completely car-free, has no shops and only nine people live here.

Instead, you can expect whimsical walks, white sand beaches and a cosy Scottish atmosphere.

The best way to get your bearings is with a refreshing walk to the summit of the island, 265 metres above sea level, which boasts spectacular views over Loch Moidart and the small isles of Rum and Eigg, as well as the Isle of Skye.

You can reward your hiking efforts with a slurp of vodka, because while whisky is the spirit more typically associated with Scotland, this island is where the premium spirits brand Sapling began.

Sat on a bench near the water’s edge in 2018, the brand’s founders, Ed Faulkner and Ivo Devereux, came up with the idea for a climate-positive spirit.

Sapling vodka and gin was formed — spirits that didn’t mess with the environment. In fact the firm gives back to it, by planting a tree each time a bottle is sold.

It was the perfect tipple to accompany me as I sat back and took in the calm of the starlit sky overhead, after retreating back to the manor house where I was staying.

Roaring fireplaces

There are a number of smaller cabins and cottages for those who are travelling solo or in a smaller group, but the manor house offers a more grand experience.

It’s a bit like a miniature version of The Traitors castle, with roaring fireplaces, ornate bathtubs, high ceilings and a grand staircase.

The 19th-century property was originally owned by Captain Swinburne, a Royal Navy seafarer, and it started out as a hunting lodge.

Swinburne went on to develop a great love for the pine trees that he saw on his travels and ended up transforming the landscape of Eilean Shona into one of the most diverse pine collections in Europe.

However these spectacular trees are only part of what makes the island’s surrounding so breathtaking.

My mornings consisted of refreshing plunges off the manor’s pontoon into chilly water, followed by dashes into the sauna afterwards.

You can follow it up with a hike or kayaking, or head to the other end of the island to see a gorgeous beach, which is like nowhere else in the UK, where soft, sugar-like sand meets serenely calm waters.

Eilean Shona House is the island’s main accommodation, sleeping up to 18 people, with a dining room that can host up to 20.

There is a library as well, with a full-sized billiards table, dartboard and a large collection of board games, while in the drawing room sits a grand piano, a cosy seated alcove and views of the loch.

The house can be booked either self-catering or fully catered, with a minimum stay of three nights.

Other options include the Shepherd’s Cottage, which sleeps two people, and the Old Schoolhouse, which sleeps four.

On Eilean Shona I could exchange the real world for Captain Hook’s imaginary version — and for a short time, I didn’t need to worry about growing up.