Posted on the 19th June 2025 in PHTM News

SMILES ALL AROUND AS GLASGOW TAXIS BRING JOY TO TROON FOR 78TH ANNUAL OUTING

Hundreds of children with additional support needs enjoyed a day of seaside fun and festivities as the 78th annual Glasgow Taxi Outing made its vibrant journey from Kelvin Way to Troon.

Dubbed "one of the happiest and most joyful days in Glasgow's calendar," the cherished tradition saw over 125 brightly decorated taxis transport around 350 beaming children to the Ayrshire coast.

Since its inception in the 1940s, the event has been a testament to the generosity of Glasgow's taxi drivers, who dedicate their time to provide an unforgettable day out for these children. This year, the spirit of fun was higher than ever, with drivers going all out on decorations and fancy dress.

One standout was 50-year-old Derek Barr, who paid homage to Glasgow's famous Duke of Wellington statue by creating a model for his taxi roof and even dressing as a traffic cone. "This is my 10th year. It's been going on for so long, and you need to do it for the kids. It's brilliant," he said.

Barr specified the highlight for him: "Leaving here and getting to Troon, and everyone comes out to give you a cheer. It's amazing seeing the kids’ faces. It gets bigger and bigger every year, thanks to everyone who turns up and donates to the charity."

Another long-time participant, 66-year-old Jimmy White, embraced the Minion theme. "I've been probably doing it for 30 years. It's the happiness in the kids faces is the reason why I do it," he shared.

White echoed Barr's sentiment about the reception in Troon: "It's brilliant because all the people are out there cheering, and it's just really good. This is the only day some of the taxi drivers smile!"

Nine-year-old Charlotte McDonald from Knightswood was among the excited children. Her mother, Sam McDonald, 42, expressed her delight, telling Glasgow Live: "We come to this every year. She absolutely loves it, and I do too. The kids get spoiled and they all get so many good treats and activities.

"It's been going on for a long time and it's such a lovely thing. The highlight for me is seeing all the characters at the moment."

Even with Christmas months away, John McIntyre donned a Grinch costume for the outing, a tradition he's upheld for nearly 20 years. "It's great for the kids, such a great day out," he remarked.

"They give us most of our work when we go out to the schools so it's just a wee day for them. We give a wee bit back to take them to the seaside for the day."

Stephen Lalley from the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund emphasised the importance of the event for children with additional support needs, many of whom are in wheelchairs and lack easy access to beach facilities. "We’ve got the transport and that’s why we take them to Troon," he said.

The event also holds special significance for the destination. Nick Power of Troon Community Council noted: “We like to bring out the town, it brings the town together. We want to make the event bigger and better every year.”

 


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