ONCE again, they were fashionably late but it was more than worth the wait as an inspired and colourful cavalcade of cars motored into Troon for the town’s top charity day.

Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund organised the annual seaside trip to the South Ayrshire town last Wednesday and around 1,000 people lined the route, including babes in arms, school children and adults of all ages to catch a glimpse of them.

And it proved to be a real heavyweight occasion to rival any other, as a car which honoured boxer Rocky Balboa from the movie series starring Sylvester Stallone was at the front of the parade, closely followed by a Ghostbusters cab and another one publicising Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail.

Other famous characters followed behind, including children’s favourite, Postman Pat, Batman and Scooby Doo.

However there was then a political interlude as US President Donald Trump whizzed past in one of the cabs as he gave the trademark wave given by the leader of the Free World.

Eight decades on from the acclaimed movie, the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz made an appearance and two people in bird costumes swooped into the parade. A New York taxi stood out in the parade.

The parade featured Gala Queen Eilidh Graham and her sisters, Aeva and Morna, the princesses in what was their last official engagement in the royal family roles.

Windows were also decorated, with Girvans the pub once again winning Best Dressed Premises. They opted for a Flower Power/Summer of Love-style theme, with staff and punters dressing up accordingly.

Woolly hats were hung up along Barassie Beach after being knitted by the Little Knitting Shop staff and helpers, the sheltered housing units, the schools and ladies of Troon. Aileen Kerr won the prize for best hat, securing £40 of vouchers for the Lavender Room.

Costa Coffee donated a free coffee to each of the drivers and also babyccinos for the children. Also getting into the act were Charles Duncan Butcher, who gave each of the cabbies a free pie.

Troon Community Council vice-chairman Douglas Graham was encouraged with how things went.

He said: “There were more than 100 taxis and three or four double-decker buses.

“We were really pleased with the turnout, there were a lot more than last year, say about 1,000 people. The shops were also well done up and it stayed dry. Thanks to everyone for coming along.