Maitland Mackie: Tribute paid to ice cream company chairman

Dr Maitland Mackie helped turn Mackie's into a major business

Tributes have been paid to businessman Dr Maitland Mackie after his death at the age of 76.

The chairman of the family-run Aberdeenshire ice cream maker Mackie's passed away following a short illness.

He helped build the family farm at Rothienorman into a multi-million pound food business famous for its ice cream and crisps.

Dr Mackie had taken up the post of University of Aberdeen rector in 2012.

'Wit and energy'

University principal Prof Sir Ian Diamond said Dr Mackie was an extremely popular rector who worked tirelessly for the students.

Dr Mackie served on several farming bodies, including the former Scottish Agricultural College.

He was a vocal supporter of wind power.

First Minister Alex Salmond said he was a formidable campaigner who brought "wit, colour and energy to everything he did".