Posted on the 26th May 2026 in PHTM News

EDINBURGH COUNCIL DEMANDS EMERGENCY TALKS AFTER ICONIC ANNUAL TAXI OUTING CANCELLED

Edinburgh councillors have launched an emergency motion to rescue a historic children's charity event after its unexpected cancellation sparked widespread regret.

The 78th annual Edinburgh Taxi Trades Outing, which sees a parade of balloon-covered black cabs drive vulnerable children through the capital, was scheduled for June 9.

However, organisers cancelled the parade due to "policy changes" that mean Police Scotland can no longer provide a moving escort for the entire route. Police Scotland instead offered static support at specific landmarks such as Princes Street and Holyrood Park, but organisers say this is not enough to keep the convoy moving.

A statement issued by the outing committee on May 25 explained the logistical nightmare of running without a moving escort. "Given that it takes approximately six minutes for the convoy to pass a static point, it would take about 10 minutes for us all to navigate the first set of lights at Western Corner," the statement read.

"The children participating on the Outing have a variety of needs and some will not manage to cope with sitting stationary for who knows how long... we have reluctantly decided to cancel this year's Outing."

In response, Edinburgh councillors fast-tracked an urgent amendment into the Policy and Sustainability Committee meeting on May 26.

Official agenda papers described the parade as a "strategically important event with a long history in the city," noting that it "provides a memorable day out for children with disabilities, additional support needs and terminal illnesses."

The committee is now calling for an immediate emergency meeting between all relevant parties to find a safe solution.

Council Leader Jane Meagher expressed her deep concern for the tradition, which dates back to the 1940s. "The Annual Children’s Taxi Drivers’ Outing has been a much-loved fixture in the city’s calendar since the 1940s, providing a fun and memorable day out for some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable children," she said.

"I really hope a solution can be found to allow the event to go ahead as planned this year."

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) stated that while they develop national policy for consistency, "forces are operationally independent, so it is for an individual force to carefully consider how a policy is applied."

Meanwhile, Police Scotland Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson maintained that the police are still trying to cooperate, stating: "We remain committed to working constructively with the organising committee and other key delivery partners to explore alternative options that would allow the event to proceed safely."


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