Tributes paid to ‘trailblazer' academic Sir Geoff Palmer after death aged 85
The professor was long associated with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, serving as chancellor and professor emeritus for many years.
He was also a prominent public figure in other fields, recently reviewing the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the Scottish capital.
The university hailed him as a 'trailblazer and inspiration within higher education and in wider society', while Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury described him as a 'courageous voice for justice and equality'.
Sir Geoff died on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife Margaret, their three children, and grandchildren.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our esteemed Chancellor and renowned humanitarian, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, has died.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. #HeriotWattUni @SirGeoffPalmer pic.twitter.com/sZv74kSlzX
— Heriot-Watt University (@HeriotWattUni) June 13, 2025
Born in Jamaica in 1940, he moved to London aged 14 as part of the Windrush generation.
He came to Edinburgh in the 1960s, where he completed a Phd in grain science and technology. His developments in the field went on to be adopted by some of the largest breweries in the UK.
In 1989 he became Scotland's first black professor as he began a teaching role at Heriot-Watt which continued until 2005.
Sir Geoff returned to the institution as a professor emeritus and later as chancellor in 2021.
Sir Geoff, pictured in 2021, was an outspoken campaigner against racism and a respected academic (Andrew Milligan/PA)
He was knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, and last year he was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's greatest order of chivalry.
As well as being a scientist, Sir Geoff was an outspoken advocate of human rights and racial equality.
He wrote several articles and books exploring these topics and pushed for education around Scotland's past roles in colonialism and slavery.
In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, City of Edinburgh Council commissioned an independent review group to examine its historic links with slavery in the public realm.
Sir Geoff led a review into Edinburgh's historic links with slavery (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Sir Geoff led the group and his report made 10 recommendations, including ordering a 'significant' new public artwork and 're-presenting' buildings and places which have historic links to slavery.
In 2022 he successfully campaigned for a plaque at the Court of Session commemorating the 1778 judgment of Knight v Wedderburn, which established that Scots law would not support slavery.
He told the PA news agency at the time the plaque meant a 'tremendous amount' to him.
Despite his years-long efforts to address racism, Sir Geoff did not advocate for the removal of statues and building names associated with historic slave owners and those connected to the trade, such as Viscount Dundas.
He said: 'If you remove the evidence, you remove the deed.'
Sir Geoff became Scotland's first black professor in 1989 (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Richard A Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt, led tributes to Sir Geoff. He said: 'Today marks a sad day for this university and for everyone who knew Sir Geoff.
'He was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this university was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years.
'He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.'
MSP Mr Choudhury said he was 'deeply saddened' at the news.
He wrote on social media: 'He was not only a distinguished scientist and academic, but also a courageous voice for justice and equality.
'My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew and admired him. May his soul rest in peace.'
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said: 'Sir Geoff Palmer was a pioneer and an outstanding intellectual.
'He had a hugely positive impact on Scotland and will be sorely missed. My sympathy to his family.'
Scotland Office minister and Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill described Sir Geoff as 'an innovator, campaigner and educator', adding: 'We were lucky to have someone of his extraordinary warmth and breadth of interest in Midlothian.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Reporter
7 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Firefighters called to Morrison Street after report of electrical fire under pavement
Last night Thursday 19 June 2025 firefighters were called to Morrison Street in Edinburgh after being made aware of an electrical fire under the pavement. The pavement was blocked off to pedestrians while investigations are carried out Last night a spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: 'We were made aware of an electrical fire under the pavement at Morrison Street. Morrison Street Photo Craig Duncan 'We are waiting on Scottish power arriving. 'One appliance is at the scene and we are still in attendance.' The SFRS have been contacted for an update. Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scottish castle that once held infamous Nazi now reclaimed by nature
The historic Stirlingshire castle has fallen into ruin. New photographs show a Scottish castle that once housed an infamous, high-ranking Nazi. As seen in the images, the castle has been reclaimed by the surrounding nature. Situated near Drymen in Stirlingshire, Buchanan Castle was constructed in the 1850s. It acted as the home of the Montrose family until 1925. The castle was then sold, before opening as a hotel in 1930—with plans to implement a golf course. However, once World War Two broke out, these plans were abandoned and Buchanan Castle was repurposed as a hospital. On May 10, 1941, Rudolf Hess flew to the UK in a self-described mission to negotiate peace. However, the plane carrying the Deputy Führer to Adolf Hitler ran out of fuel and he parachuted to the ground. Hess was taken to Buchanan Castle and treated. He was then transported to the Tower of London, before being relocated to Mytchett Place in Surrey. Following a suicide attempt, Hess was moved to Maindiff Court Hospital. He then surrendered, and was moved to Nuremberg to face trial for war crimes in May 1945. After the war, Buchanan Castle briefly acted as the Army School of Education. However, after the roof was removed and parts of the castle were demolished in 1954, it began to fall into ruin. Proposals were put forth in 2002 and 2004 to convert the castle into apartment accommodation, but these were both denied. Today, while Buchanan Castle remains a B-listed building, signs around the site warn visitors not to enter for their own safety. The abandoned building has now been reclaimed by nature. The ruins have become overgrown by trees and vines in the years since its heyday. Read on for a collection of photos of Buchanan Castle as it appears today. More On World War 2 History Heritage Photography Stirling Albion FC
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Daily Record
Wishaw pupils' trip to Rome coincides with beginning of Pope Leo's tenure
The 20-strong group from St Aidan's took in the tourist sights Pupils from a Wishaw school became the first Scottish students to have an audience with the newly elected Pope. The S5 pupils from St Aidan's High School met Pope Leo XIV during a pilgrimage to Rome, accompanied by Mr Martin Mann, Principal Teacher of Religious Education, and Mrs Elaine Grogan of the Maths Department. The 20 pupils were on a trip that had been planned for many months, and it was fortunate that it coincided with the early days of Pope Leo's tenure. The pupils raised funds for their trip through a race night and raffles. They had wonderful experiences which included visiting Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis is now entombed, the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the beautiful Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Kevinbarry Quigley of S6 said 'It was amazing to be at an audience with the Pope. We got a shoutout and we saw the Pope driving past. It's an experience I won't forget.' Ava Feighan said 'It was an amazing experience and it brought me closer to my faith.' Mr Mann said 'Our pupils were amazed by St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. To have been blessed by a new pope and experience all the richness of faith that encapsulates our Catholic ethos was wonderful for both staff and pupils. This is an experience that we will all cherish.'
