Ice cream brand appoints military veteran into pivotal role

A former radar technician has pinpointed his dream role, becoming the Head of Engineering at one of the UK’s most popular ice cream brands.

Barry Swan, 48, joins Mackie’s of Scotland with a rich and varied career spanning military service and engineering leadership roles in industries including salmon processing, whisky bottling, and global water production.

His engineering career began in the British Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), where he specialised as a radar technician and worked on cutting-edge technology, including the Rapier guided missile system.

Following his military service, Barry managed water bottling plants for both the Canadian and British Armed Forces where he spent eight years across two contracts in Kabul and Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Latterly, he undertook senior positions in Scotland’s renowned food and drink sector, from Edinburgh Salmon and Young’s Seafood, to shortbread production at Paterson Arran, and whisky bottling with Whyte & Mackay.

Barry’s vast experience will now play a key role in modernising Mackie’s engineering operations.

He said: “Joining Mackie’s is a privilege. This is a business that aligns with my values, combining family tradition with forward-thinking innovation.

I’m excited to lead the modernisation of our engineering processes, enhancing efficiency while supporting Mackie’s commitment to sustainability. Together, we’ll ensure the facilities reflect the premium quality that Mackie’s stands for.”

Barry’s role at Mackie’s will focus on developing the engineering team and overseeing site-wide functions such as refrigeration, production, and moulding; all while driving the development of modern standards and practices to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

The appointment comes during a period of strategic growth for Mackie’s, which continues to expand across the UK while investing heavily in its infrastructure. This includes enhancing its Aberdeenshire farm’s dairy, renewable energy, and packaging facilities.

Stuart Common, Managing Director of Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “Barry’s extensive experience and leadership make him a perfect fit for Mackie’s. His drive and technical expertise will be vital as we continue to innovate and invest in our facilities.

With Barry at the helm of our engineering team, we’re well-placed to deliver on our growth ambitions while staying true to our sustainability values.”

Barry added: “Mackie’s offers the opportunity to not only make an impact professionally but to also enjoy the sense of community and family life that’s so important to me. I look forward to contributing to a company that champions the best of Scottish values.”

Barry’s addition makes it a hat-trick of senior leadership appointments for Mackie’s. Earlier this year, the farm welcomed Paul Henshaw as its new Head of Operations and Will Dixon as Head of Sales to bolster its leadership team during a phase of expansion.

Known for its ‘Sky to Scoop’ philosophy, Mackie’s produces its premium ice cream using fresh milk and cream from its own herd, powered by wind and solar energy on its fifth-generation Aberdeenshire farm.

This unique farm-to-table approach continues to set Mackie’s apart as a leader in sustainable food production.