South Ayrshire Council News

Annual Glasgow Taxis Outing to Troon.
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South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan led the Glasgow Taxis Outing for Sick Children parade through Troon this year, as the 65th annual outing was once again a vibrant and entertaining success.

Buoyed by the exceptional summer weather, thousands of well wishers lined the streets of Troon to meet and greet some 400 children from Glasgow for a fantastic day out in the town.
Shops, pubs and restaurants all made an effort to dress up their businesses on this magical day and a host of celebs including Dragon's Den favourite, Duncan Bannatyne.

Over 100 taxis made the journey to the Ayrshire coast with the children, their carers and parents and were praised by Provost Sloan for such an excellent turnout during financial times for the taxi trade.

Arriving in Troon the kids were entertained with a host of activities including dancing, face painting, pony rides and even a dry Ski-Slope, as well as having the usual treats, ice-cream, packed lunches etc

The Kiddies Outing Fund was set up in 1945 by three taxi drivers: R. McLaren, J. Sampson and W. Campbell, who organised a bus run for disabled children, which proved very successful.
After the bus run the drivers had some cash in hand and decided to use this money to fund a day at the coast for disabled, sick or underprivileged children.

The same year, with some help from volunteers, they took children from Eastpark Home in their taxis to Saltcoats.

This proved so popular that it was decided to make it an annual event, celebrating its 65th anniversary in Troon this year.