With Shirlaws Suzuki marking its 90th anniversary in 2019, the popular local dealership is celebrating with an open day this weekend (26-27 January) at its showroom based at The Arches on South College Street, Aberdeen.
Established in 1928 by Leslie B Shirlaw, the firm was originally known as Shirlaws Garage and dealt in used motorcycle and car sales and repairs, and remained on its original site throughout the second world war. Leslie G Shirlaw began working with his father at the family-run business during the 1950s, before the company moved to Princes Street for a more central location in Aberdeen.
Moving into the 1970s the company name changed to Shirlaws and became main dealers for a number of brands, including popular Japanese manufacturer Suzuki. Now operated by Leslie G Shirlaw, he was joined in business by his siblings Roy and Pat.
Since then the business has continued to grow from selling used bikes and spare parts to forming Shirlaws Racing Team and winning the British Championship in 1989 and at the Isle of Man TT in 1994. Despite all this, the dealership remains the same family-run business providing new and used motorcycles along with top-quality customer service selling more than 850 bikes each year, bought by customers all over the UK and Ireland and is now run by fourth-generation Craig Shirlaw.
This weekend’s open day will see Suzuki’s new Katana on display for the first time, alongside other models from Suzuki’s on-road range. There will also be a number of special offers running, including £300 worth of free accessories with all new motorcycles purchased and 20% off all clothing and riding kit. Information will also be available on Suzuki’s current offers that include 0% finance on GSX-R1000R and an industry leading 2,3,4 campaign that allows customers to choose an APR and term to match on a number of machines.
John Gibb, Shirlaws Suzuki sales manager, said,“In 90 years there have been many changes at Shirlaws but the fundamentals have remained the same – knowledgeable and friendly staff providing high levels of advice and customer service to a loyal customer base. It might be January but everyone in the team at Shirlaws is excited for the weekend. There’ll be plenty on for people to come and get involved with, including an original Katana to go along the new one from Suzuki, and we can’t wait to see everyone that comes along.”
Suzuki GB’s Pete Swift, added,“We’ve been involved with Shirlaws for a long time and have a great relationship with the team there. They’re an excellent group of people with real passion for what they do, and it’s no wonder the business has been around for so long and been as successful as it has. It’s also testament to the team that the anniversary has been recognised by the Scottish Parliament. We’re set for a good weekend, it’s great that the Katana is going to be on display for the first time, too, and we’re looking forward to the event.”
Shirlaws Suzuki can be found at 13 The Arches – South College Street, Aberdeen AB11 6JX.
