About

John G Shearer and Sons is a family business that was founded in 1921 by John G Shearer operating from West Castle Street, Kirkwall, Orkney as a coal merchant and shipping agent.

In the late 1930’s part of the current site in Burnmouth Road was purchased and was used as a repair garage for cars and motorcycles.

In the early 1940’s John Shearer was joined by his son John W Shearer and had become agents for Triumph, Velocette and Sunbeam motorcycles.

The early 1960’s saw the premises on Burnmouth Road increase with the purchase of the adjoining business.

Shearer’s continued selling motorcycles, procuring the Lambretta Scooter franchise and the Honda Motorcycle franchise in 1964. An original 1975 Honda CB250G5 which was originally sold by Shearer’s can be seen on display in the Ticketyboo showroom today.

1965 saw the beginning of the petrol developments with the first petrol station in Orkney to offer 24 hour fuel with a coin operated Pay at the Pump dispenser.

Then in 1966 the long relationship with Vauxhall began, this included sales, servicing and the Vauxhall rental franchise.

More recently in 2007 the start of a major redevelopment of the business began with the building of a large petrol forecourt, increasing from 3 single hose pumps to 8 double hose pumps that use the very latest technology including a Pay at the Pump capable of using most credit and debit cards and allowing fuel to be drawn 24 hours a day in Orkney.

In 2013 the next phase of the redevelopment began with the knocking down of the old workshop and erecting a brand new building, which was finished in early 2014.

With the new build there was a move from the motor trade into the baby/nursery market working with known brands as iCandy, Mamas and Papas and Babystyle.

The development also included improving the fuel forecourt shop to include sweets, drinks and some motoring goods such as oils and polishes.

2014 also saw the re branding of the business to Ticketyboo.

Has seen more development with the build of the new self catering accommodation and a move away from the baby/nursery market.