Police have agreed an “outline plan” with the organisers of the Edinburgh Taxi Outing to run the event along its planned route after discussions on Wednesday.

The Edinburgh Taxi Outing has been run in Edinburgh for 80 years, taking children with special needs, life-limiting conditions and terminal illnesses for a day out in the city and out to East Lothian.

Organisers said the event was impossible to run without an escort, as taxis would get stuck in traffic, making the journey uncomfortable and unsafe for the children, meaning the event would have had to be cancelled this year.

Police Scotland claimed a “policy change” around which events can have a police escort at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) had forced their hand, but offered to work with organisers to find a constructive solution.

Police Scotland have now announced that they have agreed an “outline plan” after conversations with event organisers.

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.”

All five Edinburgh MPs had written a joint letter to Police Scotland Chief Constable, Jo Farrell, and well as justice secretary, Neil Gray.

In their letter to Chief Constable Farrell, MPs Chris Murray, Christine Jardine, Tracy Gilbert, Ian Murray, and Dr Scott Arthur shared their view that the event should still go ahead.

The MPs wrote: “Given the unique nature and long history of the Taxi Drivers’ Outing, and the significant positive impact it has on young people with additional needs, we respectfully request that Police Scotland grant an exemption to allow the traditional escort to proceed this year.

“We believe this would be a proportionate and reasonable use of discretion, consistent with the spirit of the NPCC guidance and with Police Scotland’s commitment to community cohesion and public confidence.”

MSPs Alex Cole-Hamilton and Miles Briggs had also voiced their concern at the event’s cancellation.

Event organiser Keith Bell welcomed the police’s decision, saying they have found a “workable solution” following conversations.

Mr Bell said on Wednesday afternoon: “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) 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.

“I would like to thank everyone who contacted the Police, their MP, their MSPs and others and the Outing Committee is deeply humbled by the love and support that has been shown by so many towards the Outing.”

The City of Edinburgh 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.”