Association Legal Fund
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Association Legal Fund *
This is a statement from the Deacon Robert McCulloch and the committee:
To All Members of the Association, and beyond.
We write to you today not out of frustration, but out of duty — a duty to protect the trade that has served this city with pride, professionalism, and integrity for generations.
Time and time again, we have approached the appropriate authorities — Edinburgh City Council, Licensing, and Police Scotland — through the proper channels. We have made our case with diplomacy, clarity, and fairness. And what have we been met with? Polite words, performative gratitude, and empty assurances. The truth is, we have been strung along with vague promises and token acknowledgements, while the problems facing our trade have only grown deeper and more dangerous.
Let us be absolutely clear: we are now operating in a city where lawlessness is not only tolerated but quietly enabled. Licensing conditions are not being enforced. The rule-breakers know this — and they act with impunity. The authorities have lost control, or worse, have relinquished it. We have reached a point where enforcement is either absent, ineffective, or selectively applied, leaving those of us who play by the rules to suffer the consequences.
Enough is enough.
Today, we propose that the Association establishes a legal War Chest — a dedicated fund to pursue legal action and judicial review where necessary. This will not be an idle threat. It will be a structured, well-advised campaign to hold the Council and all relevant bodies to account under the very legislation they claim to uphold.
To make this viable, we are asking each member to contribute £100 toward this legal fund.
We do not ask this lightly. We ask it because the alternative is bleak: if we allow the same disconnect and complacency that destroyed previous attempts at meaningful representation, then we may as well shut up shop. We’ll be left to survive as long as we can — until Uber, unchecked PHV numbers, and an entirely deregulated landscape wipe us out for good. And when that happens, the public will be left with no trace of the trust, safety, and integrity that once came with the sight of that orange hire light.
This Association has come too far, and too many of us have given too much, to let that happen without a fight.
We implore you — support this initiative, contribute to the fund, and stand with us not just as colleagues, but as defenders of a profession that still matters. Because if we don’t act now, we may not get another chance.
Yours in solidarity,
Robert McCulloch, Deacon,
on behalf of the (AHCDCE)
The Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of the City of Edinburgh.
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Direct Bank Transfer
Account Name: Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of The City of Edinburgh
Sort Code: 82-12-08
Account Number: 40015702
please put the reference as LEGAL FUND
Young and Care Free!
On Tuesday 30th September, and Wednesday 1st October, 6 selfless members of the Association took part in the transportation of young kids, who work with the Young Carers Charity.
The Association was contacted last week on short notice by Edinburgh Young Carers, who asked if it was possible to provide transport for 10 kids to go to the Pilton Retreat for some much needed respite.
We informed them that this would not be a problem and over the last two days our 7 hero’s delivered these children safely to the retreat and then back home.
Your selfless support does not go unnoticed by both the Edinburgh Young Carers, the committee and membership of the Association! So it’s a massive thank you too:
. Jackie Miller
. Lewis McGuire
. Joe Robbins
. Douglas Fraser
. Keith Gordon
. Barry Collins
And, of course, a thank you to Colin Graham who was on standby in case of any issues.
We are delighted to have helped these kids in their time of need, and hope to continue doing so in the future!
Whitefoord House Veterans v Edinburgh Cabbies Bowls Match
On Wednesday 27th August 2025, the return match between Whitefoord House and the Edinburgh Cabbies was played.
The weather halted play, however the Edinburgh Cabbies took the lead into the next game.
The next game will be played indoors, in January.
A great time was had by all, and we look forward to seeing the two teams face off again soon.
Annual Bowls match - Edinburgh Cabbies v Glasgow Cabbies
On Monday 25th August 2025, the annual match between the Edinburgh and Glasgow Bowls teams took place.
The match was held at Juniper Green Bowling Club, where the Glasgow Cabbies won by a slight margin.
The match thankfully went ahead this year after the Association, along with Central Taxis, co sponsored the event which allowed this long standing match to continue. So, a big thank you to them!
A great day was had by all, and many friendships were renewed thanks to this co-operative.
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the staff at Juniper Green B.C who did an excellent job in looking after both teams.
We look forward to welcoming both teams again next year!
AHCDCE AGM 2025
Firstly I would like to thank all that took the time and effort to attend last nights (26/06/25) AGM. Your input and support is greatly appreciated.
The meeting went to schedule and was done and dusted in 1.5 hrs but it was a great opportunity to faces to names and have a chat in person.
We had a small change in the committee with Keith Auld, Lewis McGuire and Freddy Roddick being nominated and voted on, with the departure of Frank Walls and Don Rafael.
Freddy will being nominated taking on the roll of Poppy Cab co-ordinator, Lewis will take control of all Social media and promotion & Keith will work along side myself and Jamie Stalker as campaigners/interface with council officials.
Robert McCulloch was due to step down but will remain in the position of Deacon for one more year and Rich Tod will continue his role as Boxholder as will I as the Clerk of the Court.
We had some good news presented last night which was that The Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of The City of Edinburgh has been given the rubber stamp to be affiliated with The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers which is an amazing acknowledgement to our Association.
We have also confirmed sponsorship and a place in the famous Magical Taxi Tour, which for those that don’t know it is the trip done by London Black cabs where the families of terminally ill/under privileged children are driven to Disneyland Paris.
The taxi will be fully liveried up with Association symbolism and will be driven by one of our very own members Neil McCulloch. Neil has been chosen for this task as he has experienced doing this trip before and this will be his twentieth one.
We also announced the continuation of efforts to raise funds for Jamie Stalkers Bungee jump, along with his young assistant in aid of the charity Young Carers. Jamie is currently £200 shy of his target for this, so we would appreciate one last surge from everyone to get him over the goal line. Donations can be made on the GoFundMe page by following the link below.
We also discussed the updated news on the ranks, ie, road markings, signage and the proposed illuminated signs. These are all moving forward and it has been advised that a budget has been sourced for the works, so hopefully we should start to see change in the not too distant future.
Last just a quick reminder for those that joined in June last year that have still not renewed their membership could you please have that done by tomorrow as that is us now into the July renewal and I would like to keep on top of it all.
Sick Kids “CAB1” Donation!
Today our Deacon Robert McCulloch, Lewis McGuire and David Horsburgh visited Edinburgh Sick Kids to donate the Little Tikes ride in Association taxi.
We were welcomed by Jackie Dixon, who is a co-ordinator for sick kids. We were given a short tour of the large reception/recreation area and it was explained the efforts that are made to make the visit for children and their families less daunting or frightening experience with the area being decorated as the skyline of Edinburgh, with key attractions taking physical form, like the Scotts Monument & the Castle.
We even got the Cab pictured outside The Balmoral, to make things look as realistic as possible!
We had a chat about what the department needs are, and whether the Association could help them in some ways, for instance they have arts & crafts areas throughout the 11 wards, which they require materials for and this could be something we can help with.
We were also informed that the large reception area was also used as a cinema area on Friday nights allowing families to come and visit without the restrictions on the number of visitors per bed. We had discussed donating DVDs and also offered to supply a subscription to streaming services, which would bring smiles to a lot of faces.
There are a lot of potential ideas for the Association to help out here within the NHS and our donation will proudly serve in the Oncology ward to help keep the spirits of these poor kids positive in a difficult time.
Jamie Stalker’s Bungee Jump!
Well, we have finally got a date for the fundraising bungee jump! This will take place on the 13th of July 2025, with help from the company Highland Fling, set in the picturesque location of Pitlochry.
There is still space for anyone who would like to join us in taking the plunge! If you would like to be a part of this special day, please get in touch with Jamie Stalker - we are sure he would be delighted to have another hand to hold!
We would just like to thank you to everybody who has donated so far to help raise funds for this amazing charity, Edinburgh Young Carers. Every single donation helps towards away days and activities for the kids who really do deserve them!
And also a special thank you to the Association for being so supportive towards my goal!
You can donate further by clicking here, or by visiting the donation page of this website!
As we slowly edge towards Summer, we can start to look forward to a sustained busy period.
For those that enjoy working the docking Cruise Liners, below is a link to the ships that will be docking in South Queensferry, Newhaven and Edinburgh (Leith):
The Edinburgh Taxi Trade Outing committee would like to thank you for your help!
They were looking for 900 small Easter Eggs this year to be distributed to children with special needs and to children who are less fortunate, so they have an egg to roll on Easter Sunday.
We are thrilled to announce that our recent collection has surpassed all expectations! Thanks to your incredible generosity and unwavering support, we have not only met but smashed our target.
To everyone who donated—whether it was a small contribution or a significant sum—you have made a remarkable impact. Your willingness to help has demonstrated the strength and spirit of our community.
Together, we are driving change and making a real difference. Thank you for your commitment and for standing with The Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of The City of Edinburgh. Your support has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.
We are asking for donations which would be greatly appreciated to help bring a smile to the kids faces this Easter.
Thanks!