A CARING cabbie who provides free transport for veterans has scooped a national award.

David Gibson came up with the Fares4Free taxi scheme in 2015 while working in East Renfrewshire after discovering many ex-service personnel struggled to access affordable road transport.

He started out providing free rides in his own minibus for veterans needing to get places but, two years later, managed to expand the service by partnering with 23 other taxi firms which agreed to donate free rides every month.

Now, in recognition of his effforts to improve life for ex-servicemen and women, David has won the Inspiration Award from Age Scotland.

He told the Barrhead News: “I’ve been a taxi driver since I was 29 and I found myself with time on my hands during the day, so I offered some free taxis to one of the local charity shops and started to look at who perhaps could benefit from that.

“It’s really hard to put into words but it’s simply the best job in the world.”

To date, David has provided or facilitated 1,651 free taxi rides, covering more than 16,650 miles and saving around £28,500 in fares for the nation’s older veterans.

The service now provides 24/7 coverage from the Highlands to the Borders.

Ken Watt, who served as a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force, said: “I met David through a mutual friend and it became obvious very quickly this was a great opportunity for some of our veterans who are unable to make their own way to functions and things like cafés.”

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive, is full of praise for David.

He said: “David’s commitment to improving mobility among Scotland’s older veterans is truly inspirational.

“We know of veterans who rely on Fares4Free and it really does improve their daily lives and allows them to remain independent.

“We’re delighted to recognise David’s innovative contribution, which honours our older veterans.

“There are too many older people throughout Scotland who are lonely or socially isolated, which has a devastating impact on their health and wellbeing.

"Services like Fares4Free can make a real difference to older veterans’ lives, ensuring they are still able to connect and stay active long after they have retired from active duty.”

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