McCaskie

The McCaskie Legacy: A Journey of Tradition and Innovation

The story of McCaskie is one of resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to Scotland’s agricultural community. Spanning three generations of the Rettie family, McCaskie has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted name in farming, blending tradition with modern innovation to serve rural communities across Scotland.

Humble Beginnings and Early Growth

Founded in the 1950s in Stirling by Alex McCaskie and Bill Rettie, McCaskie began as a small chemist and equipment store. In 1957, Bill Rettie and his son Andrew took ownership, transforming it into McCaskie Farm Supplies. Their mission was clear: to meet the unique needs of local farmers and rural residents.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the business expanded its customer base and established itself as a vital part of the farming community. By the mid-1980s, McCaskie relocated to a larger site within the Springkerse Industrial Estate and opened a second store in Ayr in 1989, strategically placing itself in the heart of Scottish dairy farming.

Expanding Expertise and Reach

McCaskie’s commitment to excellence was solidified in 1986 when its sales staff achieved AMTRA qualification, becoming Registered Animal Medicines Advisors. This milestone instilled further confidence in the team’s ability to support customers with expert advice.

The 1990s brought further expansion, with a third store opening in Fossoway in 1991, extending McCaskie’s reach into Fife. Andrew’s son, Neil, joined the business in 1993, continuing the family tradition of leadership. By 1994, the Stirling store moved to its current location on Munro Road, ensuring it could meet growing demand.

In 2003, McCaskie entered the South Central Scotland market with a store in Lanark, a region steeped in dairy farming tradition. Like its predecessors, the Lanark store became a hub of expertise and trust, reinforcing McCaskie’s reputation for service and reliability.

Embracing Innovation and Future Growth

Recognising the transformative power of technology, McCaskie embraced automation to help farmers improve efficiency and profitability. Robotic milking systems became a cornerstone of their offering, demonstrating their commitment to staying at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

The legacy continued in 2013 when Steven, Andrew’s second son, joined the business. His arrival marked the culmination of three generations working together to build a company that values community, tradition, and progress.

A Trusted Partner for Scottish Farmers

Today, McCaskie stands as a testament to the virtues of hard work and dedication. Through strategic growth, a focus on innovation, and an unwavering commitment to supporting rural communities, McCaskie has built enduring partnerships with farmers across Scotland.

The McCaskie story is far from over. Rooted in its history and driven by the challenges of the future, it remains a source of inspiration for generations of farmers and agricultural leaders both in Scotland and beyond.

Bill Rettie, Founder of McCaskie