JUST another day at the office” goes the saying, however there is no such thing as just another day when you are a Glasgow Taxi driver. 

Every single day is unique – and that’s what makes the job what it is. 

By way of example, here’s a list of people who travelled in the back of my cab in a single shift recently. 

It started with a pick-up at the Marriot of a music band who had performed there the evening before. 

The musical theme continued, in fact it was always on my mind that day after my next customer was none other than … an Elvis Presley impersonator!!! You couldn’t make it up. 

Next up couldn’t have been more of a contrast, a mortgage advisor who told me everything I needed to know about the housing market. 

We even had a customary morning after “walk of shame” punter next, you can spot them a mile off and you are always careful in what you say, and make sure they are ok. 

Then came a quintessential Glasgow Taxi day shift hire – taking a wee Glasgow wummin to Lidl!

The variety continued in the shape of a taxi for an auld Glasgow maw who the daughter had pre-ordered and paid the cab for so they could have dinner together. 

An international flavour followed as I transported a French tourist to the Riverside Museum, but that was just a oui fare … sorry!

From there it was on to a group of Irish dancers heading into the city centre. 

Then a member of staff at the Crowne Plaza, going to the hotel to start their shift. 

There was a man taking his dog to the vet, another going to the hospital for an appointment, and someone else who wanted to talk about their family problems, bless. Sometimes the best thing you can do is let people get something off their chest, be kind and just listen. 

And finally, I finished my shift collecting a woman who was moving only with the aid of sticks, evidently a new experience for her as she uttered the immortal line: “I’m new to this disabled game, son!”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry – so I did both!

And then I headed home at the end of my shift, after just another day at the office. 

The city of Glasgow, the greatest office in the world!

Stay safe.