Children have a fare old time on day out

SCORES of children with disabilities were able to enjoy their traditional day out at the seaside after last-minute glitches which threatened to ruin the event were fixed.

The parade of dozens of taxis decked out with balloons took 140 children to Yellowcraig in East Lothian. Rain failed to dampen their spirits as they enjoyed a barbecue, fairground rides and a magic show.

There had been fears the Edinburgh Taxi Trade Kiddies' Outing would be cancelled after a series of hitches, but East Lothian Council agreed at the last minute to allow access for the large equipment and fairground rides at Yellowcraig. The city council also agreed to speed up roadworks around Murrayfield Stadium ahead of the event so that the drivers could form a convoy before heading for the beach.

Organiser Keith Bell said: "There was never any doubt it was going ahead. We always manage to get it sorted, no matter what happens. Some drivers have been doing this for 30 or 40 years.

"It's quite humbling when you see what some of the parents have to go through. Some families have several children with special needs. This is just a great day out for the parents and kids. When you see the look on the children's faces, it makes it all worthwhile."

Many of the 68 drivers, as well as the children, turned up in fancy dress. Eight-year-old Erin Shepherd-Rodgers, from Craigentinny, won a rosette for her witch costume.

Crowds of schoolchildren and passers-by lined the streets of Portobello and Musselburgh to wave at the taxis as they passed by.

Julie Millar, of the Inch, said her nine-year-old son Robert, a pupil at Kaimes School, had enjoyed his third trip.

She said: "Robert was in his element. I think this is fantastic. It's great for the parents as well. This helps build a social circle.

"Robert has Asperger's Syndrome and he has difficulty dealing with social situations. He's very intelligent, but group situations can be a bit frustrating.

"This is a lot more relaxed, as everybody understands. He enjoyed just being able to run around and have fun with his friends."

Susan Craig, of Polwarth, said the highlight for her children was riding in the "Batmobile", which was decorated with black balloons. Fraser, 12, and Rhona, eight, both have physical disabilities and attend Braidburn School. She said: "When Batman came to the door to pick them up, Rhona was just so excited.

"I think the taxi drivers are amazing. They give up a whole day's pay to do this and spend the night decorating their cabs."

The taxi drivers helped raise 7000 for the outing by holding golf days, ladies' nights and other events throughout the year. They were also given donations by local companies. Last year, they were honoured by a civic reception by the city council to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the event.