The Story of

McCaskie

A Legacy of Resilience: McCaskie's

65-Year Journey in the Scottish Farming Landscape

In the realm of Scottish agriculture, the tale of McCaskie is one etched with the indomitable spirit of hard work, resolve, and unwavering resilience. This saga spans three generations of the Rettie family and their steadfast team, who have meticulously woven a tapestry of expertise, trust, and respect within the intricate fabric of the Scottish farming industry.

Established in Stirling during the 1950s by the visionaries Alex McCaskie and Bill Rettie, McCaskie Farm Supplies initially materialized as a modest chemist and equipment store. The metamorphosis occurred in 1957, as Bill Rettie and his son Andrew assumed ownership, giving birth to McCaskie Farm Supplies. From its inception, their compass pointed unwaveringly towards serving the bespoke needs of farming and rural communities.

The arc of growth for McCaskie Farm Supplies continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, as it burgeoned its clientele and emerged as a bedrock of the farming community. By the 1980s, Andrew Rettie ascended to the helm, charting a course of expansion. A defining moment occurred in 1985 with the migration to a more capacious locale within the Springkerse Industrial estate. An additional chapter emerged in 1989 with the establishment of a second store in Ayr, a strategic foothold within the heartland of Scottish dairy farming.

The year 1986 ushered in a new benchmark with the acquisition of AMTRA Qualification by McCaskie's sales staff. This certification underscored their competence as Registered Animal Medicines Advisors, bestowing customers with confidence in their acumen to meet their diverse needs and prerequisites.

The pursuit of growth strode steadfast into the 1990s, culminating in the unveiling of a third store in Fossoway in 1991, signaling an expansion toward Fife. Neil, Andrew's son, joined the familial endeavor in 1993, enkindling the ethos of generational learning and growth. By the close of 1994, necessity paved the way for the Stirling store's migration to a more expansive haven at Munro Road, its present anchorage.

In 2003, McCaskie scripted a chapter in the South Central region of Scotland, unfurling its presence in Lanark – a locale steeped in the tradition of dairy farming. The Lanark store, akin to its predecessors, nurtured trust and instilled confidence within farmers, becoming a bastion of product range and expertise.

With the advent of technology, McCaskie seized the opportunity to stride ahead, embracing automation as a harbinger of efficiency on dairy farms. Robotic milking, now a linchpin of McCaskie, embodies their commitment to provide the latest advancements to streamline farming operations, enhancing productivity and profitability.

The year 2013 witnessed a pivotal juncture as Steven, Andrew's second son, entered the fold, culminating the family legacy. Together, the Rettie family and their dedicated team have fostered a legacy of excellence and sagacity within the agricultural landscape. An unwavering commitment to serving rural communities has forged enduring alliances with customers and stands as a testament to their tireless journey.

The odyssey of McCaskie is one punctuated by perseverance and dedication, a living embodiment of the time-honored virtues of hard work, resolve, and unyielding resilience. Their narrative, poised at the nexus of tradition and innovation, continues to be an inspiration to future generations of farmers and business leaders not only in Scotland but beyond its borders.

Bill Rettie, founder of McCaskie

Bill Rettie, Founder of McCaskie

McCaskie Managing Director Andrew Rettie receives keys to new fleet of trucks

Managing Director, Andrew Rettie, receives keys for new fleet of lorries.