Kids start countdown for taxis trip to Troon
EXCITEMENT is mounting ahead of the annual Glasgow Taxi’s Outing Fund children’s trip to Troon.
Pupils at Langlands Primary School are counting down to the big day after joining in the official launch.
More than 100 taxis and their drivers will be dressing up to take kids who require additional support for learning to Ayrshire for a day beside the sea on June 21.
The event, which has been running since 1945, sees thousands of well-wishers line the streets of Glasgow and Ayrshire to wave the kids and their parents and carers off to Troon.
Throughout the day, the kids will be treated to pony rides, a disco and lunch.
Jim Buchanan, Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund chair, said: “We’ve been doing this now for over 70 years and I hope we can keep going until 100.
“It started with just three driver who decided to take kids to Saltcoats.
“We want the kids to have a great day. A lot of children with additional support for learning don’t have holidays in the same way everyone does. It’s very hard to take them on a plane.
“This is a day where they don’t have to have any worries. There’s no regime to it. “It’s a relax day for them. “The drivers are just a different class, some even take days off to decorate their taxi in time for the event and give up a day’s pay to take part.
“They want the kids to have a great day.”
The event is supported by Glasgow Taxis Ltd, Celtic FC Foundation and new sponsors Watermans.
Drivers David Dewar and Kenny Warren stopped off at the school ahead of next week’s event. David said: “I’ve been doing this 29 years at the same school. I took part because when I came in, it was my dad’s taxi and he did Langlands as well.
“It’s a great laugh. Taxi driving is hard just now so it’s a wee day out to enjoy just as much as the children.
“You see the look on their faces when we’re driving and people are cheering and throwing sweets and things. It makes them feel really special.
“You can just imagine what the Queen feels like.”
Collette Gowing, depute head of Langlands Primary School, described the atmosphere on the day as “electric”.
She said: “The whole community comes out to wave them off, horns are tooting the drivers are dressed up.
“Some of our pupils don’t get to the seaside because of their learning needs, it can be challenging.
“Our children are very sensory as well and with the sand and water it is really important.
“For the parents, seeing the community cheering them on makes them really proud and that makes all the difference.”
The event will start at Kelvin Way on June 21.