Aberdeenshire’s Provost has paid tribute to ice-cream businessman Maitland Mackie, who died at the weekend.
His death on Saturday at his farm at Westertown, Rothienorman, following a short illness, marked a double tragedy for his family as his wife Halldis, a former GP at Insch, died earlier this year.
Mr Mackie was chairman of ice-cream firm Mackie’s of Scotland and rector of Aberdeen University.
Provost of Aberdeenshire, Jill Webster, said: “Maitland Mackie was a remarkable man with a big personality, and highly successful all-round with a lot of enthusiasm and commitment.
“My thoughts are with Maitland’s family as people across the area remember a man who was an industry leader and a wonderful ambassador for Aberdeenshire.”
Mr Mackie was made a CBE in 1991 for his services to agriculture and took a great interest in the industry through many organisations, including the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland and the Grampian Food Forum.
Her helped to establish the forum – a partnership between representatives of the food and drink industry in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray – in 1993 in order to provide an opportunity for companies from different sectors to learn from each other and to exchange ideas.
Chairman of the Grampian Food Forum, Keith Whyte of Mitchells, said: “Maitland was such an engaging character and he completely got behind the forum and all that it stood for.
“He was a great advocate of the Grampian food and drink industry and helped to make the forum the success it has become.”
Aberdeenshire Council industry support executive and coordinator of Grampian Food Forum, Elizabeth Mathie, said: “Maitland was integral in establishing the Grampian Food Forum in the 1990s and held an influential role as chairman of Grampian Enterprise Ltd at the time the food and drink strategy was launched in 1995.
“He ensured Mackie’s involvement in the Forum by encouraging participation by colleagues.
“He was always keen to host events and enthusiastically shared his knowledge and experience.”