Cabbies show their support as £5 million public Riverside Museum appeal gears up in Glasgow

Cabbies in Glasgow have given plans for the city’s breathtaking £74 million Riverside Museum a boost by handing over £5,000 in cash.

Glasgow Taxis, which owns 70% of the black cabs patrolling the Scottish metropolis, have given the money to the Riverside Museum Appeal, the campaign to raise £5 million through public and private donations in addition to the £69 million provided by Glasgow City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Drivers from the fleet have also been helping curators create displays at the towering new venue, which will include historic cab beauties the Beardmore Hyper Mark III – from 1932 – and the 1980s Metrocab when it opens later this year.

“The project is something very close to our hearts,” said group boss Danny Ryan. “Among the many incredible examples of Glasgow transport which will go on display is a little piece of history about Glasgow Taxis of which we are very proud.

“Beyond that is the importance of this museum to the city of Glasgow. The Riverside Museum is set to become a major tourist attraction where families spanning all generations can take pride in the city’s proud transport history.

“It’s equally about the future as the stunning building becomes an iconic part of the Glasgow skyline and we are proud to be a part of this journey.”

Councillor Archie Graham, of the Riverside Museum Appeal, said the fundraising bid had earned more than £4 million so far.

“Glasgow’s taxi drivers have long been supportive of the Riverside Museum through their help with research for the displays, and now this gift,” he observed, accepting the donation in a ceremony outside the museum.

“Glasgow Taxis’ donation is a significant step towards our final £5million target and hopefully it will encourage members of the public and other organisations to dig deep and show their support of the Riverside Museum as we enter the final few months of this momentous project.” 

A special section dedicated to the Metrocab, which was the first taxi to accommodate disabled travellers, will explore how the city’s streets and people’s attitudes to disabled transport have changed during the part three decades.
 
Donate to the Riverside Museum Appeal by visiting the campaign online, or text the word “Riverside” to 70700 to make a £5 donation.