Our Heritage
The founders of our Company had been house builders during Queen Victoria's long reign. They were, however, engaged not just narrowly in construction but were importers of the raw materials required for their business.
The Early 1900s
By the early 1900s, the Mactaggarts and the Mickels had come together and, with others who would later establish their own shorter-lived building companies, were constructing tenements in the West End of Glasgow.
They had also built in London's Portland Place, but their Glasgow tenements are now locally recognised as the pinnacle of achievement in tenemental construction. Other noteworthy events in the first two decades were the introduction of the Model-T Ford, the invention of the crossword puzzle and Shackleton's journey to the South Pole
- THE MICKEL FAMILY DURING THE WAR
- THE MICKEL FAMILY 1917
The 1920s
The opportunities offered by the government to be involved in a housing boom followed the First World War were not to be missed.
In the four years from 1922, in Glasgow and in Lanarkshire, the Mactaggarts and Mickels in partnership built over 3000 houses for local authorities before registering as a Limited company in 1925 and beginning work on their first contract at Kings Park in Glasgow. In that same year, John Logie Baird made the very first television transmission.
- BUNGALOW LATE 1920S
The 1930s & 40s
1936 saw the start of building at Hillpark in Edinburgh, which would continue right up to 2014.
In 1943 the Mactaggarts severed their connection with the company and Mactaggart & Mickel became entirely a concern of the Mickel family, remaining so to this day. Other significant events during this period were the invention of the helicopter, the first production of the Volkswagen beetle, and Amelia Earhart’s solo flight across the Atlantic.
- Eglington Toll 1935
- BROOM ESTATE BROCHURE 1938
- FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE MICKEL FAMILY 1938
The 1950s & 60s
In 1953 the company’s 4000th house was built in Silverknowes, Edinburgh, and was handed over to its new owners by the company’s directors in a special ceremony. The late Group Chairman Derek Mickel joined the company in 1960 as a qualified architect.
Among the many developments Derek Mickel designed was Riverside in Polnoon, Eaglesham; a groundbreaking site at the time due to its innovative layout and masterplan, something which continued at our 21st-century Polnoon development which was completed in 2018.
It was a time of great change, as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones took the world by storm, Muhammad Ali reached the height of his career and Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.
- MECHANISED EQUIPMENT AT HILLPARK 1955
- HILLPARK 1955
The 1970s
Retired Group Chairman Bruce Mickel joined the company in 1975 as a qualified architect and designed a number of more modernist-style developments in Edinburgh including innovative designs with flat roofs.
Recession presented challenges during the 1970s but the company survived by introducing new initiatives and schemes, including shared equity home purchase. New technology was making its impact in the wider world, as the first mobile phone call was made, Microsoft was founded and Sony debuted the Walkman.
- HILLPARK WOOD 1976
- BONALY BRAE 1974
The 1980s & 90s
Construction at Hillpark in Edinburgh was still going strong, with homes built at Hillpark Brae, Hillpark Green and Hillpark Court among others.
In 1988 we took part in Glasgow's Garden Festival, designing the 'Broom Milk Bar' as our contribution. During the Year of Culture in 1990 a number of items from our archive were exhibited at 'Glasgow's Glasgow' and in 1999 we were involved in the “Homes for the Future” project at Glasgow Green. Other significant events were the launch of the world wide web, the opening of the Channel Tunnel, the launch of the Euro and the founding of Ebay.
- DUET PATIO ADVERT 1982
- BROOM MILK BAR POSTER 1988
- THE DIRECTORS IN 1996
The 2000s
Fourth-generation family members Andrew Mickel and Ross Mickel joined the company in 2000 and 2005 respectively, making Mactaggart & Mickel one of the 3% of family-owned businesses that has successfully transitioned into its fourth generation.
Mairi Mickel also joined the business in 2002, contributing to its growth and governance over nearly a decade before, in 2011, going on to pursue a career as a leading voice and educator in the field of Family Enterprise.
In 2007, the company acquired a timber frame manufacturing facility and began developing state-of-the-art housing products and building techniques to deliver better-insulated, more energy-efficient, and sustainable homes.
During a challenging period for the entire industry, in 2008, Mactaggart & Mickel diversified into a Group of companies, creating new divisions — Timber Systems, Contracts, and Commercial Property. This was followed in 2009 by the launch of the Strategic Land division, allowing the company to leverage its expertise and experience to explore new opportunities and income streams, helping it to thrive through changing market conditions.
- THE DRUM BONESS 2005
- MULLS & BARAS AT MANDERSTON 2007
2010s
In 2011, Mactaggart & Mickel joined other leading developers and contractors as a partner in the City Legacy Consortium, which began work in 2012 on the Athletes’ Village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The development was later transformed into a vibrant new residential community in Dalmarnock, and in 2017 received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its success.
Also in 2012, our then Chairman Derek Mickel was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award by Homes for Scotland, celebrating his remarkable contribution to the industry and his leadership within the company.
2015 marked Mactaggart & Mickel’s 90th anniversary — a milestone celebrated with employees, partners, and stakeholders across the business. As part of the celebrations, we also smashed our fundraising target, raising over £50,000 for our Charity of the Year, Cancer Research UK — a testament to the generosity, teamwork, and community spirit that define our company culture.
In 2019, we achieved another major milestone with the launch of our first development of new homes in England, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter of growth and expansion for Mactaggart & Mickel. During that same year, the company also introduced a refreshed brand identity, moving away from its traditional red and unveiling a new purple logo and crest, symbolising a period of evolution and modernisation within the business.
- THE VILLAGE 2014
- GREENAN VIEWS 2016
2020s
We strive to maintain our place as an experienced luxury housebuilder with the highest reputation and we have won many awards over the years for design, quality and customer service.
We have achieved a 5 Star Rating for customer service in the HBF's (Home Builders Federation) customer surveys every year since becoming eligible for the Star Rating scheme in 2013, and our Site Managers also have a long record of achievement at the annual NHBC Pride in the Job Awards.
We at Mactaggart & Mickel firmly believe that our innate ability is well founded in our sound experience and achievements in house building which has patently defied economic uncertainty. Indeed the story of Mactaggart & Mickel is a true testament to the unique combination of innovation and tradition, delivered strategically by a financially sound company.
Maintaining tradition, whilst adapting to change
On 22 June 2022, we sold our Scottish housebuilding and timber frame divisions to Springfield Properties Plc in a deal that creates new growth opportunities for both companies and supports our individual delivery ambitions. The deal enables us, as the Mactaggart & Mickel Group "Mac Mic Group", to expand our strategic land ambitions and enhance our private rented property portfolio. It also provides a platform for future partnership activity.
- KEYNSHAM
Our Centenary
Celebrating 100 Years of Progress
For a century, Mactaggart & Mickel has built a legacy of trust, innovation, and community impact. Under the leadership of the Mickel family, we’ve continued to evolve with the UK property market — growing across our four key divisions: Strategic Land, Private Rental Property, Developments, and Investments.
In September 2025, Mac Mic Strategic Land entered a joint venture with Cerberus Capital Management, bringing fresh investment and capacity to accelerate UK expansion while staying true to our founding values. Mactaggart & Mickel remain active shareholders, with Andrew and Ross Mickel continuing in leadership roles.
As part of our Centenary Year, we’re proud to support five charities tackling homelessness and cancer across the UK, aiming to raise £100,000 to make a lasting difference.
We’ve also launched our Centenary Tartan with the Glasgow School of Art, celebrating our Scottish heritage and creativity, and we’re supporting the new ‘Future Planners’ bursary scheme to help shape the next generation of housing professionals.
As we look to the future, we’re inspired by our people, partners, and communities — and remain committed to progress, partnership, and purpose.
Here’s to 100 years of making a difference — and many more to come.
- 100TH CELEBRATION
