Maitland Mackie was director of the former Scottish Agricultural College, now Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), from 1996 to 2003, and chairman from 1998 to 2003.
In a joint statement from SRUC chairman Lord Jamie Lindsay and acting chief executive Janet Swadling, Mr Mackie was described as an “inspirational figure in Scottish agriculture”.
It continued: “We offer our condolences to his family who have all too recently suffered the loss of Maitland’s beloved wife Halldis.
“Maitland Mackie was chairman of SAC at a pivotal time in its history.
“It was through his leadership that the merger of the three former regional agricultural colleges was properly embedded.
“Some of the decisions which had to be taken to move the organisation onto a sound footing were controversial but Maitland provided the vision, drive and support.
“We will deeply miss his encouragement, humour and friendship.”
Mr Mackie was also a Liberal Democrat candidate in the first Scottish Parliament elections in 1999.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: “His great success in business and agriculture made the family name a favourite in most freezers but I will remember him for his great intelligence, drive and charm.”
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael added: “I don’t believe that Maitland Mackie ever gave less than one hundred per cent to anything he did in life.”