A TRIO of women have powered their way to success in the motor industry.

They have made history as the first female line-up in the driving seat in the 52-year history of Belmont Wallyford, which is part of the John Martin Group.

Gail Yuill, from Prestonpans, is the sales manager; Kirstien Farrell, also from Prestonpans, is the after sales manager; and Yvonne Storrie of Tranent is the parts manager.

Gail, who has been with the company two-and-a-half years, said: “To have three females is a first for Belmont Wallyford and I think you will find with the car industry in general, there are more females coming onboard. It used to be a predominantly male environment but that’s not the case. Some customers seem to open up more to women.”

She worked in car leasing with Glasgow Health Board for 20 years before moving to East Lothian 10 years ago with her family. Gail, who started in car sales at the garage, was promoted to sales manager at the turn of the year.

“I do genuinely love my job. I come from a customer services background. We all work together very well,” she added.

The garage is multi-franchise with Belmont Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Chrysler and Jeep as well as Murray Volvo, and is a Hyundai specialist.

Gail outlined how Kirstien had recently helped an elderly man whose car had broken down in Longniddry.

“We were the nearest garage, so the car was brought here,” she said. “It was 5.45pm and Kirstien finishes at 5.30pm. He lived at Duddingston in Edinburgh and she took him home. Locally, that is the kind of thing people want.”

Kirstien started working as a service advisor at Belmont Vauxhall at Seafield in Edinburgh when she was 19 and climbed the ranks. She moved to Belmont Wallyford about 10 years ago.

Yvonne, who started as a parts clerk with the company, has worked with the John Martin Group for 15 years.

David McClenaghan, operations manager, said: “I am delighted the business has attracted the girls to what is perceived as a predominantly male environment.

“They add a different dimension. On a personal note, my wife has run our household and kids for the past 35 years rather well and I felt it would be the same in business.”