Posted on the 9th June 2026 in PHTM News

JOY AND WATER FIGHTS AS 78TH EDINBURGH TAXI DRIVERS' OUTING WELCOMES HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN

The 78th annual Edinburgh Taxi Drivers Outing took place on Tuesday, June 9, bringing joy to children with additional needs, life-limiting conditions, and terminal illnesses.

Fully funded and organised by local cabbies, the colourful convoy of vehicles decorated with floats and balloons made its way from the capital to East Lothian for a special day out.

The procession departed from the Edinburgh Zoo car park at 10:00am under police supervision. Crowds of locals and business owners lined the streets to watch the convoy pass through Haymarket. The parade continued along Princes Street, up the Mound, and onto the High Street.

During the procession, Edinburgh Lord Provost and Council Leader Jane Meagher became targets for water-wielding children and adults in the convoy before the Lord Provost returned to his civic duties.

A spokesperson for the taxi drivers explained that the route took them along the coast to Archerfield Walled Garden, with a traditional stop outside S.Luca's in Musselburgh "to refill the water tanks and to eat as much ice cream as possible."

After arriving at Archerfield, the children enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon before heading home.

The beloved event was almost cancelled last month due to concerns that a police motorcycle escort would not be able to accompany the motorcade, sparking outrage from locals and supporters as far away as America and Australia.

However, a crisis meeting between organisers, Police Scotland, and local councils successfully resolved the logistical and legislative issues.

Before the event, Council Leader Jane Meagher reassured the public that the outing was safe, stating: "I can absolutely confirm that the Edinburgh Taxi Outing can go ahead this year."

She praised the teams who worked hard to agree on logistics, ensuring local families could enjoy what many describe as the "highlight" of their children's year.


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