Kind-hearted taxi drivers gave up their free time to take kids with additional support needs to the seaside for the day.
Hundreds of taxis lined Kelvin Way in the West End on Wednesday morning to take kids from the city to Troon for the day.
The annual event, which has been running for 77 years, sees youngsters with additional support needs treated to a day at the beach – including free ice cream and a DJ set from Clyde One's George Bowie.
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
Selfless cabbies made the day as special as possible for attendees by decorating their taxis and even turning up in fancy dress – some of our personal favourites were Paw Patrol’s Marshall, Scooby-Doo, and Batman.
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James White, who has been involved in the initiative for 36 years, said: “It’s such a good time, everyone loves it, and you can see on the kids’ faces how much they enjoy it.
“It’s a day for giving to people. Everyone enjoys it – including the taxi drivers, which you can see from the way we’re all dressed up.
“It’s a lovely day for everyone.”
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
Peter Tiarnay, who has driven the youngsters for the last 15 years, said: “It’s just a fantastic day, it’s great.
“When you drive through to Troon, it’s quite emotional – I never even knew that many people live in Troon.”
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
There is even a competition for the best-dressed cabbie – which will be a tough job for judges.
Joe Dunn, who has been involved for 20-odd years, joked that he didn't think he would win, but his pal – dressed as Dennis the Menace - might.
Speaking on the competition, cabbie John Booth added: “It’s all in good fun and that’s why we enjoy it.”
He continued: “When you see how many kids and older people come out to welcome you into Troon it brings a tear to your eye.
“I’ve been doing this for years and it’s emotional and I’m not ashamed to say that.
“It’s all about making it a special day for the kids.”
(Image: Lord Provost with the best dressed taxi winner. Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Lord Provost with the best dressed taxi winner. Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
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The Lord Provost and Celtic legend Tosh McKinlay turned up to the event to wave off the taxis - which did a tour of the city, before heading down the M77 to the West Coast town.
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
The initiative was launched by the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund back in the 1940s and is supported by Glasgow Taxis.
Dougie McPherson, Glasgow Taxis chairman, said: "Glasgow Taxis are delighted to be the main supporter of the Annual taxi Outing to Troon.
"Every year the city's drivers rise to the occasion to provide this truly memorable day for some of the city's most deserving kids.
"It is truly humbling to be part of this annual spectacle and once again the weather has been kind. We are so proud of our drivers who give up their day, despite the current significant challenges to the trade, to make this such a special occasion for the city."
The event is sponsored by Mister Singh’s India, Girvans Bar, Ocean Outdoor, Cab Direct / Allied Vehicles, Laurie Ross, Twisted Pixels, Harris Finance, McGhees Bakery, PARS Foods.
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