Glasgow taxi drivers prepare for 76th Glasgow Taxi Outing Trip

The annual event in the city has been a huge date in the calendar for taxi drivers since 1945, with more than 100 volunteers giving up their day to make it happen.

Now, with under a week until the big day, final preparations are getting underway in order to make it a day that the children will remember.

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Some of the drivers congregated at Hazelwood School in Pollokshields on Tuesday to show off the taxis to the children who will be going along and announced one last appeal for any drivers to get involved.

Jim Buchanan, chair of the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, said: “Here we go again with us all set for another magical day of memories when it’s all about the children and their families.

“So much work has gone on behind the scenes thanks to everyone at the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, backed up by a number of supporters, to make sure the day delivers everything it lives up to – and I’m sure it will.

“We look forward to seeing the Glasgow public giving us the usual rousing send-off from Kelvin Way in the morning as we convoy through Glasgow – then the atmosphere being every bit as special as we arrive in Troon.”

Children getting involved of in the photoshoot outside Hazelwood School (Image: Gordon Terris)

The chair also added how he can’t put into words the feeling it gives him when he sees the children smile on the way to Troon, with the taxi driver stating it could “bring a tear to a glass eye”.

He said: “You can’t put into words the feelings you get when organising an event like this.

“Seeing how much the kids enjoy it, that gives you the reward to do it again next year.

“The first one for me was the 48th or 49th anniversary and it is just as special as back then.

“It is simply just a wonderful feeling, especially the effort the drivers put in for them. We can’t thank them enough for volunteering.”

The famous trip to Troon sees more than 300 children with additional support needs enjoy a day at the seaside.

A glimpse of a decorated Cab ahead of next week (Image: Gordon Terris)

Leaving from Kelvin Way in the West End on June 21, it is expected to be a spectacle for Glaswegians to watch with many of the taxis being decorated with balloons, inflatables and beach balls.

When arriving in Ayrshire, the taxi drivers are welcomed with people lining the streets.

Stephen Lalley, treasurer of the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, added: “As the days tick down and preparations reach their final stages, we need just a small number of additional drivers to make sure we can cover all schools and take every child who wishes to come.

“Drivers can get in touch with the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund directly and, as always, we know they will step up to the plate.”