Mackie's of Scotland have their own renewable energy supply

Mackie's first turbine was installed in 2005 with two more added in 2007 - three Vestas V52 wind turbines named "Mackie's", "Ice" and "Cream". Each of these graceful machines have a 45 metre turbine and three 25 metre blades on the turning propeller and capacity to produce 850KW of power - so a total capacity at the farm of 2.5 MW. 

This has been successful – Scotland is a windy place and Mackie’s turbines generate significantly more power than the farm business requires. Mackie’s use roughly 30% of the wind energy generated and export the rest to the grid – and sold to Good Energy.  Wind turbines are not a new sight on the farm, Mac's father Maitland previously installed a smaller turbine which powered the business's former piggery unit until 1997. That was one of the first grid connected wind turbines in the UK but did not have a very large output.

"Wind energy is renewable, economic, safe, and good for the environment. " Managing Director Mac says "We are keen to find new ways to cut our energy consumption alongside our other environmental projects. The investment in wind turbines makes good sense for our business because our consumers have told us that it is important for them to know that our ice cream is made with renewable energy. It also makes good financial sense, we are a rural business which needs significant power levels and will continue to need more as we grow. "

Mackie’s ice cream tubs design shows the wind turbines and cows. The commitment to becoming self sufficient in renewable energy is important to Mackie's and is part of their aim to become the greenest company in Britain.

Click here to watch our "wind turbines" video clip