Recognition has been given to one of Scotland's leading rural entrepreneurs after he was awarded an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026.
Maitland “Mac” Mackie has received the honour for services to farming, business innovation and sustainability.
The award comes in a landmark year for Mackie's of Scotland as the family-owned business celebrates its 40th anniversary of making ice cream.
Taking over from his father as Managing Director in 1998, Mac has overseen the business’ transition from a traditional dairy farm and milk business to its producing more than 15 million tubs last year, while ensuring that the brand remains committed to quality, sustainability and its farming heritage.
The award follows four decades of innovation and investment, during which Mackie's has become a recognised leader in sustainable food production, the best-selling ice cream brand in Scotland (WorldPanel, Premium Ice Cream, Volume) and the fastest growing ice cream brand in the UK for the past four years running.
Building on the foundations put in place by his father, Mac spearheaded the company’s commitment to sustainability, which now sees it renewably produce more than twice as much energy as it uses, through its wind turbines and solar farm.
Mac has ensured the company adapts to suit its rural location, modernising the farm to cater for increased production, installing packaging production facilities on site to reduce transport miles and introducing a low-carbon refrigeration system to improve the quality of the ice cream, while reducing emissions.
Maitland Mackie OBE, Chairman of Mackie's of Scotland, said: “This honour is a tremendous privilege and one that reflects the efforts of many people over many years. What the business and farm have achieved has only been possible because of the dedication of our customers, colleagues and family, who have supported us throughout the journey.
“We have always believed in building a business for the long term, producing quality products, supporting our community and taking responsibility for the environment around us. I am proud of what has been achieved and excited about what comes next.”
Mackie’s of Scotland’s reputation for innovation and sustainable farming was highlighted last year when The Princess Royal visited the Mackie's farm in Aberdeenshire to learn more about its approach to food production and renewable energy.
As Mackie's marks its 40th anniversary of making ice cream, the business remains focused on the future, with continued investment in sustainability, product development and rural enterprise. The Chairman at Mackie’s since 2023, Mac focusses on the long-term development and sustainability of the company, with its recent purchase of a 50,000 square-foot distribution site in Kintore earlier this year marking the beginning of an exciting new phase for the company.