The Edinburgh Taxi Outing now looks set to go ahead after breakthrough talks between organisers and Police Scotland.
The much-loved annual event, which gives children with additional support needs and life-limiting conditions a special day out, had been cancelled earlier this week over concerns surrounding police support.
Police Scotland previously said it could no longer provide a rolling road closure for the convoy due to updated guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Traditionally, the outing sees dozens of decorated taxis travel from Edinburgh to the East Lothian coast escorted by a police motorcycle convoy.
Organisers warned the event could not safely proceed if taxis were forced to travel through normal traffic, saying this would significantly impact the comfort and wellbeing of the children involved.
The outing has run since 1947 and is organised and funded by taxi drivers.
Many, including Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP Miles Briggs urged Justice Secretary Neil Gray to intervene following the “bizarre decision”.
Mr Briggs said: “The scrapping of this wonderful event is heartbreaking news.
“I see no reason why Police Scotland cannot continue to facilitate this tradition which has been running without issue for nearly 80 years. It is a major highlight for many Edinburgh taxi drivers who volunteer their time to drive the kids around the Capital.”
However, Police Scotland have now confirmed that constructive talks have resulted in an outline plan which could allow the event to continue on its original route.
We can provide the following update on planning for the Edinburgh Taxi Outing.
Superintendent Neil Wilson said: "Our focus throughout has been to support the Edinburgh Taxi Outing as we have done for many years. pic.twitter.com/Mwcs9X56nd— Police Scotland Edinburgh (@PSOSEdinburgh) May 27, 2026
Further planning discussions are due to take place before final arrangements are confirmed for the June 9 outing.
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Superintendent Neil Wilson said: "Our focus throughout has been to support the Edinburgh Taxi Outing as we have done for many years.
"We have held constructive discussions today with the event organiser and have agreed an outline plan which allows the event to run safely on its original route.
"Further discussions will take place in the coming days to finalise the police operation to support the event and ensure the children enjoy their day."
Organiser Keith J Bell said: "A short while ago, I had a meeting with Assistant Chief Constable Waddell and other officers with responsibility for policing within Edinburgh.
"We had an open and frank discussion about the recent events regarding this year’s Edinburgh Taxi Outing.
"I’m pleased to say that we appear to have found a workable solution to allow this year’s event to go ahead.
"We are having another planning meeting tomorrow (Thursday, May 28) and I am hopeful that following that meeting, we will be able to finalise a plan that allows the event to take place on the 9th June, which will be great news for the children and families involved."
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m overjoyed and relieved that the Edinburgh Taxi Outing can go ahead as planned this year.
"I want to pay particular tribute to our colleagues in the Council’s transport and roads teams for finding a way to make this work.
"They really have gone above and beyond.
“I know how valued and important this event is to families across the city and look forward to seeing the wonderful sight of brightly decorated taxis on our streets once again, in what I’m sure will be another fun-filled and memorable day out.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs added: “I’m delighted that after talks between the organisers and Police Scotland, this wonderful event will be able to go ahead after all.
“Edinburgh’s annual taxi outing is a huge boon for underprivileged children, and I wrote to Neil Gray to express my dismay that it might be cancelled and urging him to intervene.
“I’m glad that my calls and those of other colleagues and volunteers have been heeded, and that all the parties involved have found a way to ensure this excellent tradition will be continued.”
