Rector of Aberdeen University dies

Dr Maitland Mackie has sadly died on Saturday 31st of May after a brief illness.

The rector of the University of Aberdeen was spirited and well-liked throughout his long association with the university. Graduating in 1958 with a BSc in agriculture and again in 1971 with a MA Hons in economics, he then went on to become one of Scotland’s leading businessmen.

Ian Diamond, Vice-Chancellor of the University described him as “an extremely popular rector who will be remembered with great fondness.

“He was chairman of the Aberdeen Students’ Charities Campaign during his time at university and continued to be a champion of the student body, leading to his election as rector in 2011, having previously served as a member of the University Court.”

He added, “Dr Mackie drew on his own student days and worked tirelessly to promote enhancements to the student experience at Aberdeen.”

As well as his time spent at the University, Dr Maitland Mackie was Chairman of Mackies Ltd, a well-known family run business. He had also previously served as vice-president of the National Farmers Union in Scotland.

His success included a political career as a Liberal Democrat candidate in the first Scottish parliamentary elections, topping the party list for the North-East region. However, following the 3 constituency seats won in the area, he then failed to make it to Holyrood.

Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie is among those paying tribute to the highly appraised businessman. He said, “A kind and compassionate man, Maitland Mackie stood out in so many fields.

“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. All of us in the Liberal family will miss him.”

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael had campaigned alongside him in the the run up to the 1999 Holyrood election.

Mr Carmichael said, “I don’t believe that Maitland Mackie ever gave less than 100% to anything he did in life. In farming, family life, politics, renewable energy or, more recently, as rector of Aberdeen University his approach was always the same – total commitment, fierce passion and incredible energy.

“He was determined always to find new and better ways of doing things and was no lover of orthodoxy.

“His instinct was to challenge and that did not always make him popular but it did make it next to impossible not to respect him.

“Our farming, business and public life in Scotland has lost a man who always gave more than he took.”