THE sunshine may not have made an appearance but rain failed to dampen the spirits of more than 300 youngsters on a trip to the seaside.

About 100 cabbies wore fancy dress and decorated their fleet with balloons to chauffeur the youngsters on the 70th Glasgow Taxis Outing.

As reported in later editions of the Evening Times yesterday, the annual trip to Troon was launched at Kelvin Way by former Celtic defender Tosh McKinlay.

Among those enjoying the celebrations was Margaret Love, whose great uncle Robert ‘Tubby’ McLaren, founded the event.

Margaret, 56, said: “It’s emotional to think my great uncle started this 70 years ago.

“It’s just grown and grown and got more popular over the years, it’s such a family occasion.”

Yvette Carrigan, who was on the trip with sons Anthony Fullerton, nine, eight-year-old Kieran and Terrence, 11, said: “Everyone makes such an effort so it really is a great day."

William and Margaret Keenan, both 70, from Nitshill, took eight-year-old grandson Nathan Keenan on the trip. They travelled in the Fireman Sam cab.

William said: “The whole thing is world class.”

Alfie McLean, his dad Tony, 29, mum Anne, 33, and two-year-old sister Aoife.

Alfie, who has cerebral palsy down his right side, is recovering after a hip operation.

Tony said: “This is an amazing day out for all the kids.

“The taxi drivers are brilliant. The reaction from Glasgow is great too."

A Darth Vader-themed cab was crowned the best decorated.

Spectators lined the street to wave at the procession as it passed through Glasgow.

Gareth Ware, businessman and owner of an old Beardmore taxi, dressed as an army officer from 1945.

He said: “It’s an original taxi that took part in parades in the past so it’s good to get it taking part again. It is humbling to be a part of the event, giving something back to the kids.

“It’s an amazing day out and the kids all have a fabulous time.”

Children, their parents and taxi drivers congregated at Troon Town Hall, where facepainters and balloon shapers were on hand to entertain.

Peter McMahon, 50, is taking part in his 47th outing. His nephew Kian, who attends St Kevin’s special needs school, has joined him for the last five years.

He said: “It’s good to give something back after all these years.”

Open top bus driver Alistair Whitelaw has been on the parade for the last six years.

He said: “You get great satisfaction and pride giving something back to the kids."

Karen Haining, 41, from Crookston, was taking daughter Brooke, 12, on her last trip before she goes to secondary school.

Brooke, who has a chromosome disorder and finds it difficult to walk was in a cab decorated with a huge birthday cake.

Karen said: “Brooke is getting older but she still loves this outing. It’s a great day out for the kids.”