Hundreds of children arrive in Troon for annual Glasgow Taxi Outing

Locals lined the streets to welcome around 300 kids with additional support needs in decorated cabs, to enjoy a day at the seaside

Author: Kieran BrandPublished 21st Jun 2023

The annual Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund has taken hundreds of children to the Ayrshire seaside for a day out.

More than 300 children with additional support needs were taken to spend a day at Troon beach by over 100 taxi drivers.

The vehicles were decorated and the drivers dressed in costume to celebrate the occasion.

Jacqueline Cameron headed down with her son – it was the last year they were travelling together.

She said: “He loves seeing the taxis all decorated and the drivers all dressed up and it’s just great how everyone supports them and they come out and wave us off.


Hundreds of children arrive in Troon for annual Glasgow Taxi Outing
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“Even when you’re driving through, all the shops come out – everyone’s waving. It’s lovely and really nice to see.”

This year marks the 76th anniversary of the first trip made to Saltcoats in 1945.

Chairman of the fund, Jim Buchanan, said the day was magical, saying: “Just the happy faces of the children – that’s what makes the whole day.

“The people waving on the side, you can’t put it into words. All through the city – it’s great applauding the children so thank you to them.”

Dougie McPherson, chairman of Glasgow Taxis - one of the main supporters of the annual trip, said: "The rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the Tartan Army on Tuesday night and it was exactly the same at Kelvin Way on Wednesday morning - more than 120 taxi drivers doing the city proud as they set off for sunny Ayrshire.

"A huge thanks goes to the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund who are the driving force behind this Glasgow institution, and all the other supporters and volunteers too, not to mention our friends in Troon.

“Finally, but most importantly, we hope the children have another day to remember - as at the end of the day it's all about them."