University of Aberdeen rector voting under way Voting to elect the new University of Aberdeen rector is under way, after the death of businessman Dr Maitland Mackie. Dr Mackie - chairman of the family-run Aberdeenshire ice cream maker Mackie's - had taken up the post in 2012, but died earlier this year aged 76. Two candidates have been nominated to take over. Solicitor James Steel tutors law students, and Maggie Chapman is co-convener of the Scottish Green Party. Voting closes on Thursday. Dr Mackie had succeeded Scotland The What? star Stephen Robertson.