One World Shop

Arrival after braving public transport only to find that the combination door lock is in an even more temperamental frame of mind than yourself and refuses to perform the function that it is supposed to. There follows a silent prayer that this will not be my fate!

However, the smiles from a welcoming staff are a refreshing reminder of what lies ahead. Shelves need restocking, items priced and the shop swept clean in readiness for the delight of customers which starts with a trickle, enabling amicable chat with an eager clientele.

The till clicks remorselessly on and the credit card machine turns red hot as bags, obscure musical instruments, exotic and finely crafted objects and jewellery join the staple food requirements in leaving the shelves as fair trade aficionados flock into the shop. Help is needed as the barcode reader ceases to recognise items.

In a flash, the morning has gone and the afternoon shift appears with a happy smile enabling release back into an unsuspecting world safe in the knowledge that fair trade continues to flourish in a small corner of Edinburgh that is the One World Shop.

- Eric Osborne