From a small Ayrshire workshop to a Royal Warrant-holding business serving customers nationwide, ATV Services Scotland’s story is one of hard work, family values, and enduring commitment to the rural community.
A family legacy that runs deep
When John Yuille Snr launched his own agricultural engineering business in 1989, he could hardly have imagined what it would become. A lifelong agricultural engineer, he began his career as an apprentice at Tweedies, the former Massey Ferguson agent in Ayr, before running his own tractor dealership and later working in machinery sales.
Spotting an opportunity to specialise in all-terrain vehicles, he founded ATV Services with a simple philosophy: service above all else.
“My father started with a simple idea: if you look after people properly, the rest takes care of itself,” says managing director John Yuille Jnr.
“We worked from the outbuildings of the rented farmhouse where we lived – just the two of us, a set of tools and a lot of determination. It was very basic, but it gave us a strong start.”
From the earliest days, it was a true family effort. Rosemary Yuille, John’s mother, was involved from the very beginning, supporting the business in every way possible and helping to keep things running behind the scenes. John says: “Although she’s now officially retired, she still takes a keen interest and keeps us all right.”
Built on people, not just products
That small start has grown into a trusted national business with depots in Ayr (head office), Stirling, Newton Stewart and Lochgilphead, and a team of nearly 40 people. Many have been with the company for decades, including Derek Paterson, who recently celebrated 30 years of service.
“We’ve got people who joined us as teenagers and are now leading departments,” says John.
“We try to treat people the way we’d want to be treated ourselves. As MD, there’s no job I haven’t done here and that helps build respect and understanding. My wife, and the company’s other director, Janis Yuille, handles finance, oversight and policy. Together we’ve kept the focus on fairness and consistency.”
That ethos of growing talent from within is reflected in the wider team. Aisling Logan, who started with the company as a teenage admin assistant, now runs customer service for the entire group.
“It’s a perfect example of how we like to develop people,” says John. “Aisling knows the business inside out and leads with the same customer-first mindset that’s always been at our core.”
The same can be said for aftersales manager Lorna Rae, who grew up as the daughter of a shepherd. “Lorna understands exactly how these machines are used day to day – and the frustration when one’s off the road,” John explains.
“That practical understanding helps us respond quickly and with the right priorities, because downtime costs people money and time.”
Family remains at the heart of the company, with three generations of the Yuille family involved. John Snr, now 80, still plays an active role most days, while Billy Yuille, 21, represents the next generation within the business. John’s elder son Jack, though currently living in Australia, remains closely connected and helps out whenever he’s home.
“It’s great to have Billy involved and Jack staying in touch,” John smiles. “For now, they’re both finding their own paths, but it’s special to have that family link continue. It keeps our roots strong and reminds us where we came from. A truly multi-generational family business.”
That sense of connection runs through the wider team too. Many of the company’s staff come directly from farming backgrounds, something John believes makes a real difference.
“They know the work, the conditions and what customers expect of good service,” he says. “That understanding is invaluable. It’s what sets us apart.”
A modern hub for rural Scotland
The company’s new Ayr headquarters, located at Whitefordhill Livestock Market, represents the next step in its evolution. The site showcases a diverse range of agricultural, groundcare and industrial equipment, alongside practical essentials and lifestyle products, creating a true one-stop shop for rural customers.
To mark the opening of the new headquarters, ATV Services Scotland will host an Open Day on Saturday, November 29 from 9am-5pm, welcoming customers old and new to explore the facilities, meet the team, and see the latest machinery and equipment on display.
“It’s more than a bigger showroom,” says John. “It’s a place where people can see what’s new, get advice from knowledgeable staff, and experience the kit first-hand. Whether it’s farmers, contractors, or estate teams, we want them to feel at home.”
Janis, who project-managed the new build, adds: “We wanted to establish the premises where our customers already feel most comfortable. It’s a natural fit.”
Over the years, ATV Services Scotland has represented many of the world’s leading manufacturers. But rather than being known for a single brand, the company prefers to promote its own name, one that customers associate with trust, reliability and outstanding aftercare.
“Brands and models change all the time,” John explains, “but our approach doesn’t. Whatever we sell, we back it up in our own unique way, with honest advice, proper support, and a personal touch that customers have come to expect from us.”
That ethos is reflected across all four depots, ensuring the same high standards wherever customers are in Scotland.
John continues: “Although we’re not farmers ourselves, our wider family are, and we’ve been in and around the industry all our lives. When someone buys from us, we have an obligation to stand by our promises and look after them properly, like family.”
Supporting those who support us
Community involvement runs through everything ATV Services Scotland does. The business maintains close links with the Young Farmers movement, a connection that’s been part of the family for decades.
“Janis and I were both Young Farmers, and Billy is currently chairman of Ayr YFC,” John explains. “We’ve always believed in supporting those who support us, from local clubs to charities like RSABI, and many other rural organisations.”
That support also reaches local schools, where the team promotes awareness of careers in rural industries. “We need to keep the pipeline of talent alive,” John says. “Showing young people that there are rewarding, hands-on careers in this sector is part of our responsibility.”
A royal seal of recognition
In 2025, the company received one of its proudest honours: a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty King Charles for the supply and servicing of off-road equipment.
“It’s an incredible achievement,” says Janis. “It recognises decades of consistent quality and customer care and also the company’s dedication to the environment and the wider community. For our team, it’s a real moment of pride.”
Looking ahead
After a period of rapid growth, John says the focus is now on strengthening the foundations. “The next step is consolidation: keeping our standards high, supporting our people and continuing to serve our customers the right way,” he says. “We’ve got a superb management team.
“They understand not just what we do, but why we do it – the sense of duty and pride that’s been there since day one.”
From a two-man workshop to a Royal Warrant-holding company with four depots and a loyal nationwide customer base, ATV Services Scotland continues to prove that honesty, hard work, and genuine service never go out of style.
Share