Crowds cheer on Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund's annual children's trip

Ex-Celtic captain Tom Boyde at the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund. Picture: John Devlin

This year’s event was bigger than previous years with more than 150 drivers giving up their day for free to take more than 300 schoolchildren who require additional support for learning, as well as their parents and carers, to the seaside.

Drivers decorated their taxis and donned fancy dress, much to the delight of children and members of the public who congregated at the traditional starting point on Kelvin Way in Glasgow’s west-end.

Well-wishers lined the street to soak up the atmosphere of the day and wave off the congregation as they embarked on their journey.

Taxi drivers have given up a day for free to drive the children and their carers or parents to Troon. Picture: John Devlin

The Butchershop Bar & Grill was on hand to feed hungry onlookers complimentary rolls and sausage.

Former Celtic and Scotland star Tom Boyd – ambassador for the Celtic FC Foundation, a longstanding supporter of the outing – and Bailie Josephine Docherty from the Lord Provost’s office, joined the judging party for the coveted prize of best dressed taxi.

The Police Scotland pipe band were also present on Kelvin Way where they performed before the annual balloon release.

Following a send off, the fleet of taxis made their way through Glasgow city centre, to the south side and on to Ayrshire.

More than 300 school children who require additional support are being chauffeured to Troon for the day for the annual event. Picture: John Devlin

Jim Buchanan, Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund chair, said: “This year’s Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund Trip to Troon has been another huge success with all the children and everyone involved having a brilliant day at the seaside.

“It’s incredible to think that this event has been going for 71 consecutive years. It can only happen thanks to the hard work of our committee, from parents, teachers and carers and, of course, the drivers, who generously donate their time and go to so much effort to make this such a unique and unforgettable day for the children.”

Stephen Flynn, Vice Chairman of the Outing Fund’s main supporter Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “We are so proud to continue to be a big part of the outing to Troon. It’s a fantastic day and our drivers help to make it extra special – all for the kids. There’s a lot of competition to have the best dressed taxi, you can see how much effort the drivers put into it!”

David Moulsdale, Chief Executive of Optical Express, said: “The Glasgow Taxi Outing Day is a great cause and I’m very proud that Optical Express has supported it for a number of years. My dad was a Glasgow Hackney taxi driver for 38 years and always looked forward to his day out to Troon, so it’s a cause that I feel very strongly about.”

Butchershop owners Louise and James Rusk said: “Our team at the Butchershop were thrilled to kick-start the day’s celebrations for this outstanding annual occasion. It brings so much joy to many deserving children and their families.”

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