Coronavirus in Scotland: Edinburgh Taxi Outing is cancelled

Decorated cabs and water pistols are a regular feature of the outing

DEVASTATED organisers of Edinburgh's annual taxi outing for children with special needs have been forced to scrap this year's event.

What would have been the popular charity day's 74th installment on June 9 has become the latest high-profile coronavirus cancellation.

The event sees black cab drivers give up their time to take children and their families on a day out.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel this year's outing," said secretary Keith Bell.

"We had hoped to delay making a decision for as long as possible in the hope that current circumstances might improve, but this doesn't look likely, hence our decision to cancel."

School closures, a drop-off in trade for drivers and unavailability of volunteers on the day have all played a part in the decision, said Mr Bell.

He added: "We receive amazing support from many, many businesses which make it possible for the outing to go ahead.

"We felt that it wouldn't be fair to these businesses, many of whom may be fighting just to stay open themselves."

Organisers thanked the public for their continued to support and vowed to be back for the 74th outing on June 8 next year.

"It goes without saying that having to cancel an event that's been happening annually since 1947 is not something we wanted to do," added Mr Bell.

"But it is the only sensible and responsible course of action open to us."