MacKay graduated from the University of Glasgow MBChB in 1961. Mackay worked as a consultant surgeon at the Glasgow Western Infirmary and Gartnavel General Hospital.

He retired from clinical practice in 1996, going on to serve as president of the College from 1997-2000. He was awarded a CBE in 2000 for his services to medicine. ]]> Mackintosh; Anne H. (1944-); Artist]]>