The man who saved Caithness Glass and led a remarkable life has passed away this week at the grand old age of 95. He was George Mackie, later Lord Mackie of Benshie,  a man bristling with, commonsense and the canniness of his home, Kincardineshire. Mackie ran a farm and rescued Caithness Glass in the 1980s. A proud Scot he said “A millionaire is no use to anybody, but a chap who can make a million is of immense value to the community.”

Distinguished Flyer

Mackie trained as a navigator, but became a pilot. In all he flew 86 missions over occupied Europe. He was stood down from active missions as the only survivor of his original crew.  He was awarded the  DSO from the King for operations over Europe and Egypt. A DFC followed, after successful master bomber operations over Berlin.

A Mover and a Shaker

Mackie was briefly Liberal MP for Caithness and Sutherland His was one of 3 gains in the Highlands which delivered 4 Scots out of a Parliamentary party of 9 and said,  “not a Tory left between Muckle Flugga and Ballachulish”. He then moved to the Lords where he was an old hand at EU farm legislation.

Saviour of Caithness Glass and Mastermind on TV

Mr Mackie was chairman of Caithness Glass from 1966 to 1984, taking it from “bankruptcy to a strong position” moving its headquarters to Perthshire. The best advertising he ever received was when the   Magnus Magnusson chose Caithness Glass to supply the Mastermind winner’s vase. Mackie said for Caithness this was, “the best free advertisement any glass firm ever had”.

A Fitting Heritage

And in the spirit of the grand old man, I would recommend that you browse our selection of Caithness Glass and see part of George Mackie’s enduring heritage. For example the Caithness Glass - 50 years Anniversary Golden Mooncrystal which is inspired by designs from George’s time at the helm.

https://www.jamespirie.com/caithness/50-years-anniversary-golden-moon.html