Children with disabilities have been treated to a day out at the beach thanks to champion taxi drivers.

The 75th Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund trip to Troon made a glorious return today after being postponed for two years due to Covid.

Glasgow Times: Photograph by Colin MearnsPhotograph by Colin Mearns

Around 120 Glasgow taxi drivers escorted more than 300 children with additional support needs for a day of fun in the sun at the seaside with the help of volunteers and sponsors Celtic FC Foundation and Laurie Ross Insurance.

Glasgow Times: Photograph by Colin MearnsPhotograph by Colin Mearns

Drivers decked out their cabs in balloons, flags and stuffed toys, and donned costumes from Barney to Postman Pat.

Glasgow Times:

Well-wishers lined the streets of Glasgow to wave to the children as the taxis beeped and drove past.Glasgow Times: Photograph by Colin MearnsPhotograph by Colin Mearns

James Sinclair, who has been driving a taxi for 40 years, told the Glasgow Times it was “brilliant” and “absolutely fantastic” to be back.

Mr Sinclair, who shuttled Aileen Bell and her seven-year-old son Harris on what’s their first Taxi Outing trip, said: “All these kids, the smiles on their faces, that’s what makes it.”

Glasgow Times: Photograph by Colin MearnsPhotograph by Colin Mearns

Lord provost Jacqueline McLaren added: “It’s like a carnival atmosphere, it’s really tremendous.”

Glasgow Times: Photograph by Colin MearnsPhotograph by Colin Mearns

Jim Buchanan, chair of the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, described it as “absolutely amazing” to be back.

From the start at Kelvin Way, he said: “The atmosphere is absolutely buzzing. The weather, you couldn’t have picked a nicer day.

“You can’t get a better venue, so thanks to Glasgow City Council for doing that.

“It’s amazing, absolutely amazing.”

Glasgow Times: Photograph by Colin MearnsPhotograph by Colin Mearns