Edinburgh Taxi Outing to go ahead after cancellation threat sparked outcry

Organisers of the Edinburgh Taxi Outing are celebrating after Police Scotland u-turned on a decision which was set to see it cancelled.

The popular event had been under threat after the force said it would not provide a police escort for the annual parade, which is put on and funded by city taxi drivers to provide a memorable day out for children with additional needs, life-limiting conditions and terminal illnesses.

Police Scotland was urged to reconsider its decision and, following backlash from organisers and members of the public, a “workable solution” has now been found to allow the event, which has been running since 1947, to go ahead.

Keith Bell, secretary of the Edinburgh Taxi Outing, said: “We had an open and frank discussion about the recent events regarding this year‘s Edinburgh Taxi Outing.

“I’m pleased to say that we appear to have found a workable solution to allow this year‘s event to go ahead. We are having another planning meeting on Thursday and I am hopeful that following that meeting, we will be able to finalise a plan that allows the event to take place on the 9th June, which will be great news for the children and families involved.

Edinburgh Taxi Outing is to go ahead despite fears that it would be cancelled for 2026 | Lisa Ferguson

“I would like to thank everyone who contacted the Police, their MP, their MSPs and others and the Outing Committee is deeply humbled by the love and support that has been shown by so many towards the Outing.”

It was announced on Monday that the event would not be able to go ahead due to a National Police Chiefs’ Council policy change on police escorts. It was understood that the change meant the Edinburgh Taxi Outing no longer qualified for an escort.

But it later came to light that it is down to individual police forces across the country to decide how they implement the policy, meaning that the decision on whether to provide a police escort ultimately lies with Police Scotland - which was accused of “deflecting blame”.

Police Scotland has said it will provide an escort for the Edinburgh Taxi Outing | Lisa Ferguson

Speaking earlier today, Mr Bell said: “It is now quite clear that Police Scotland‘s attempt to use the National Police Chief Council‘s policy was designed to deflect the blame for Police Scotland’s choice to no longer provide motorcycle escorts for our event. This action has led to the unfair demonisation of the NPCC and Chief Constable Mark Roberts who wrote the original policy.”

A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed that an “outline plan” had been agreed that would allow the event to run on its original route through Edinburgh city centre.

Superintendent Neil Wilson said: "Our focus throughout has been to support the Edinburgh Taxi Outing as we have done for many years. We have held constructive discussions today with the event organiser and have agreed an outline plan which allows the event to run safely on its original route.

"Further discussions will take place in the coming days to finalise the police operation to support the event and ensure the children enjoy their day."

The parade will see children transported through the city in colourfully decorated cabs | Lisa Ferguson

The potential cancellation of the event sparked public outcry, with five MPs from across Edinburgh and Musselburgh having written to Justice Secretary Neil Gray asking him to intervene and ensure the event could run as normal.

A petition launched on change.org has also received more than 2000 signatures.

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