Glasgow schoolchildren will take a slightly different journey out of the city next week as they head to Troon for the much-loved annual Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund trip to the Ayrshire coast.
A seven-day countdown to one of Scotland’s best-known summer events began today, as pupils from Hazelwood Primary School met some of the volunteer drivers who will give up their time to make the day possible.
More than 125 brightly decorated taxis will form a colourful convoy, transporting around 300 children from schools across the city. On arrival in Troon, the youngsters will be welcomed by crowds of well-wishers before enjoying an afternoon of seaside fun, including music, entertainment and games.
This year’s outing will follow a revised route out of Glasgow due to the ongoing impact of the Union Street fire earlier in the year, alongside continued closures around George Square as redevelopment works progress.
Stephen Lalley, from the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund, said: “This year, the taxis will travel along Sauchiehall Street towards Charing Cross before turning right on to Newton Street and joining the motorway to Troon. Due to the restrictions currently in place within Glasgow city centre, this route has been identified as the most practical and efficient option for the outing. We hope that these measures will be temporary and that, next year, we will be able to return to travelling through the city centre as part of the traditional route.
“Everyone at the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund would like to thank Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland for their support and assistance in providing this alternative route out of Glasgow, ensuring all the children can once more enjoy this special day which produces a lifetime of memories.”
The annual trip sees more than 300 children with additional support needs treated to a day at the seaside, made possible by the generosity of over 100 taxi drivers and a large team of volunteers.
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Major supporters of the event include Glasgow Taxis Ltd, Cab Direct, Celtic FC Foundation, The Moulsdale Foundation, Butchershop Bar and Grill, and Girvans Bar in Troon.
Members of the public are encouraged to line the streets and cheer on the convoy. The taxis will pass along Kelvin Way between 10.30am and 11am, before continuing along Sauchiehall Street towards Charing Cross.
