Rainbow Turtle, from Refrewshire, Paisley, joins to celebrate their twin Fürth’s 10 years as a fair trade city in 2026.

Colum, from Purple Turtle, with Philipp Abel from Fürth celebrating Fürth’s 10 years as a fair trade city this March 2026. Colum back left and Philipp back right.

Colum Scriven, from Rainbow Turtle, a Paisley group concerned with the promotion and development of Fair Trade established in in 2002, reveals that one of Paisley’s best kept secrets is that it has a twinned city in northern Bavaria, Germany, called Fürth. Back in September last year, when Colum met Philipp Abel from Fürth, at the International Fair Trade Towns conference in Edinburgh in August 2025, and unexpectedly joined him in March 2026 to celebrate Fürth’s 10 years as a fair trade city. Read Colum’s piece in full here.

The anniversary celebrations of Fair Trade in Fürth offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on both personal experiences and the wider impact of the movement. The event was not just about marking time, but about recognising the people, values and relationships that have sustained Fair Trade over the years.

At its heart, the celebration highlighted the importance of community. Volunteers, supporters and customers, with lead from Fürth Council, have all played a role in shaping Rainbow Turtle’s journey, demonstrating how local action can contribute to global change. Fair Trade is more than a label, it represents a commitment to fairness, dignity and sustainability for producers around the world.

The reflections also emphasised how awareness of global inequalities has grown. Fair Trade has helped connect consumers with the realities faced by farmers and workers, encouraging more ethical choices in everyday life. Over time, this has contributed to a wider cultural shift, where people increasingly consider the social and environmental impact of what they buy. Today, the movement supports millions of producers globally, helping secure fairer prices and better working conditions.

This meeting between Rainbow Turtle and Fürth Council during the Fürth anniversary was not only about celebrating achievements. It also served as a reminder of the challenges that remain, including climate change, economic instability and persistent inequality within global trade systems. These ongoing issues reinforce the need for continued engagement and advocacy.

Ultimately, the meeting and celebration was both reflective and forward-looking. It honoured past achievements while renewing a shared commitment to the future. Events like this show that change is possible when individuals and communities work together. By continuing to support Fair Trade, each of us can play a small but important part in building a more just and sustainable world.