I live in Orkney, an archipelago off the North coast of Scotland. Life moves at a different pace up here (not always a good thing) but it suits me. I came from college in Hamilton via Italy as a nanny to a job on one of the remote north isles. For many years bright lights and big cities were a thing of the past. I have lived on Orkney for 25 years more than half my life, I realise I may be a little out of touch.
I was required last week as part of my new job (another story) to travel to Inverness. I traveled by plane and as I had time I decided to take the bus from airport to city centre. Save the environment save the world, surely a better option than a taxi. Sharing with others, transport at a leisurely pace. I waited at the bus stop as my fellow passengers scrambled for the few taxi available. I was confident I could take the bus. However although I had money, I didn't have the 'right' money and subsequently risked the wrath of the Eastern European bus driver.He eventually grudgingly gave me a return ticket and some change, for a minute I thought I may be denied travel, it was a tense moment.
I miss the 'clippies' of my childhood with there shouts of 'Come oan, get aff', and the bags jingling with change when the 'right' money wasn't available.
But my question is this:- How much 'panic' profit does WHsmith make from wild eyed travellers buying chewing gum and chocolate so they can have the correct change for buses?
