Two weeks to go until Glasgow taxi trip to Troon
The countdown is on for Glasgow Taxi's annual kids trip to Troon.
The Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund today launched its 71st annual children’s trip with help from pupils at Langlands Primary School in Glasgow’s south side.
The official launch took place exactly two weeks until the big day on Wednesday, 15 June when taxis in fancy dress will take hundreds of kids to Ayrshire for a special day at the seaside.
Each year, more than 150 drivers give up their day for free and take more than 300 schoolchildren who require additional support for learning, as well as their parents and carers, to Troon for an unforgettable day.
The famous event is attended by thousands of well-wishers at the traditional starting point of Kelvin Way, before the taxis weave through Glasgow’s city centre and south side then on to Ayrshire, to be welcomed by even more enthusiastic supporters.
Clyde News has been chatting with Jim Buchanan, Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund chair. You can listen to his interview here:
Jim Buchanan said: “It’s a huge buzz to be counting down to the 71st annual trip to Troon.
"The children look forward to it all year and so do all the volunteers and drivers – it is always a fantastic event.
“This day can only happen thanks to the hard work of our committee, as well as parents, teachers and carers. A special thanks must go to all the drivers who go to so much effort and give up their time for free.
“Glasgow Taxi drivers really go the extra mile, decorating their taxis with balloons, streamers and cartoon characters. It’s thanks to their spirit and generosity that this day has become such a landmark event for not only the children, but people across Glasgow.”
Last year, marked the 70th consecutive trip to Troon and since its inception in 1946, thousands of taxi drivers have donated their time and effort to make it a resounding success. The drivers don fancy dress costumes, much to the delight of the children and the people who line the route through Glasgow and in Troon.
Stephen Flynn, Vice Chairman of the Outing Fund’s main supporter Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “We are proud to be involved in the Glasgow Taxis children’s outing. It’s a major event for the city and a terrific day which our drivers look forward to all year round.
“The drivers are working on their fancy dress and as always we can expect some fantastic sights!
“I hope everybody in the city comes out to support this brilliant day on Wednesday, 15 June to wave off the taxis and children as they embark on their 71st trip to Troon.”
Other supporters of this year’s event include Celtic FC Foundation and Optical Express.