Six decades of days to remember

By Graeme Esson
BBC Scotland news website

The first taxi outing took place in 1946

Sixty years ago three Glasgow taxi drivers decided to put some spare cash to a good use.

The trio, R McLaren, J Sampson and W Campbell, had money left over after organising a bus run.

They used it to take some sick children to the Ayrshire coastal town of Saltcoats - and so began an institution which has provided days to remember for thousands of youngsters.

The first outing in 1945 was such a success that it was turned into an annual event.

Now between 500 and 600 children make the trip to Troon every year for a day of fun.

Glasgow schools

Tommy Young, treasurer of the Glasgow Taxis Outing Fund For Sick Children, explained that the event caters for children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and autism.

The youngsters, aged between five and 12, are taken from about a dozen schools in the Glasgow area.

The value of the day out was stressed by Danny McGrorry, head teacher at Richmond Park School.

I look forward to it because you see how happy the kids are and it's great Nerys Lockhart Committee vice-chairwoman

"The pupils thoroughly enjoy it," he told BBC Scotland's news website.

"It is something that they are very keen to be part of. It is a great day for them, a great experience, and it makes them feel very special.

"They want for nothing during the day, the people are very generous, and they have a fantastic time. They talk about it for some time afterwards."

He said it was obvious that a lot of organisation went into the event.

"The association should be commended for what they are doing because it is giving kids experiences that they would not be likely to get.

"It does make a difference and their generosity should be noted."

In pictures: Glasgow taxi outings

The committee's vice-chairwoman, Nerys Lockhart, is one of those who makes sure that the event runs smoothly.

She first became involved in the outing about 35 years ago as a driver.

"They were looking for volunteers and I enjoyed the day so much that I returned every year.

"I look forward to it because you see how happy the kids are and it's great," she said.

Down the years she has occupied the prized spot at the head of the convoy and become the first woman to sit on the committee.

Tommy has also been taking part in the outings for more than 30 years.

Picked up

When he started out they were so popular among the drivers that they had to put their names into a ballot for a place in the convoy.

At that time about 240 cabs made the journey to Troon each year.

The numbers taking part dwindled over the decades, but have picked up again in recent years - even though Tommy acknowledged that it was hard for drivers to take a day off in the current economic climate.

The cabs travel through the streets of Glasgow

This year about 180 taxis were taking part in the convoy, which set off from its traditional gathering place in Glasgow's Kelvin Way.

"The city knows when we are there because of the noise we make," said Tommy.

The route takes the cabs through the city into Newton Mearns and then past Fenwick to Troon, where entertainment is laid on for the youngsters.

Strathclyde Police Pipe Band plays as the convoy leaves Glasgow, and also provides music in Troon.

The event has had a musical dimension from the beginning, as leading Glasgow dance band Billy McGregor and the Gaybirds were closely involved in the early days.

I still get a buzz out of it on the day - and afterwards, when you see the youngsters going away with a smile on their face Tommy Young Committee treasurer

Tommy said some of the drivers really "go to town", decorating their taxis and donning fancy dress.

The people and businesses of Troon also do their part, putting up bunting and decorations.

Entertainment is laid on for the youngsters come rain or shine, and this year will also see the opening of a new playground for special needs children.

Tommy said that those involved with the event had to have their heart in it.

But he added: "I still get a buzz out of it on the day - and afterwards, when you see the youngsters going away with a smile on their face."

Do you have any memories or pictures of taxi outings from the last 60 years?

Twenty years ago I sat my psychiatry finals in the examination hall at the top of Kelvin Way as the taxis gathered prior to leaving for Troon. It was difficult to concentrate but nobody minded the noise outside. I don¿t remember much about the exam but the atmosphere outside was much happier than that in the exam hall!
Allison Graham

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