A TAXI outing dating back more than 70 years which visits East Lothian will not take place for the second summer in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Edinburgh Taxi Trade Children’s Outing, which sees youngsters with special needs taken on a day out, has been a regular sight along the county coastline for decades.

Decorated taxis, many covered in balloons, pass through Musselburgh before continuing along the coast to Archerfield.

However, last year’s event did not take place and organisers have made the decision to cancel it this year as well.

A statement on social media said: “Having different families sharing a taxi and then having 300-plus people mingling at Archerfield just won’t be feasible, or safe, especially as many of our children have additional medical conditions.

“The other factor to consider is the devastating year it’s been for the taxi trade.

“Many drivers [have been] working long hours and making very little, and now we’re back in lockdown until at least February (although I fear it will be even longer) the pressure on taxi drivers will be even greater, so I couldn’t in all conscience then ask drivers to give up their time and taxis for this year’s outing.

“It wouldn’t be right to have them do this at a time when many are struggling just to put food on the table.”

Organisers acknowledged the event, scheduled for June, was still some time away but felt it was appropriate to take “a firm decision now rather than leave it until the last minute”.

The statement continued: “I know that this will be a devastating decision for all, but especially to those for whom this would have been their last year.

“The committee is acutely aware of this and when the outing goes ahead in 2022, we will certainly work with the schools to see if there is a way we can include those whose last outings were due in 2020 and 2021.”

It is hoped next year’s event can take place on June 14.