Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer dies aged 85
Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer has died aged 85.
Sir Geoff 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 and is survived by his wife Margaret, their three children and grandchildren.
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.
He was knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, and in 2024 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 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 said 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.'
Richard A Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt, 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.'
Mr Choudhury said he was 'deeply saddened' at the news.
He said: '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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
32 minutes ago
- BBC News
New plan to renovate Ramsgate shelters
A not-for-profit has announced it will renovate and refurbish shelters in Ramsgate. Heritage Lab Ramsgate said it has a "bold plan" for the future of the derelict buildings along the lower promenade of East Cliff. It has asked the public for their views and ideas after taking on a 20-year lease to redevelop eight art deco shelters from Thanet District Council. Heritage Lab Ramsgate said the 6m-by-2m shelters, which look directly out to sea, will be put to a "variety of uses". Proposals include a food and drinks outlet, a sauna, water sports and fishing facilities, beach huts, a community and educational space or art shelter is set to be restored to its original purpose with seated benches and information on the history of the area. Heritage Lab Ramsgate said it hopes to have the shelters, which spread either side of the Pulhamite steps below Winterstoke Gardens, open for the summer 2026 not-for-profit has launched an online consultation where people can share their views and ideas about how the shelters can best be used in future.
The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
B&Q's selling a gorgeous summer plant that needs no watering – it blooms all summer & stops cats pooing in your garden
IN the UK, cats are free to roam, and they are said to travel several miles a day when out and about. Whether it be strolling the streets or visiting your garden to do their business, and if it's the latter you're struggling with then there's a plant or two that can help. 1 Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) are known to ward off felines. Lemon balm is a relatively easy herb to grow, thriving in various conditions. With antiviral and antibacterial properties, the leaves of this bushy, perennial herb release a strong lemon fragrance when they are bruised. It prefers full sun or partial shade with well-drained, moist soil, and can grow quickly, dominating free space. It's a perennial which means it returns every year with its deliciously lemon-scented leaves, and produces creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer which honey bees love. It can also be used around the house and in cooking - the leaves give a lemony kick to salads, sauces and fish dishes, make a refreshing herb tea, and can be added to summer drinks like Pimms. The crushed leaves are also said to help keep mosquitoes at bay when they are rubbed onto the skin. As for deterring cats, the citrus scent and texture of lemon balm are off-putting to cats. You can plant it in pots around the perimeter of your garden or in areas where cats are likely to visit. Everyone can see flowers but you have high IQ if you spot the cat in 12 secs B&Q sells Lemon Balm in a 9cm pot for £13.99. Lemon thyme is a hardy plant that thrives in a range of conditions, so it is a practical choice for gardeners who are looking for natural ways to keep cats out of their gardens and want a plant that will last for years. It produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink or pale lilac, typically appearing in whorls at the stem tips in early to mid-summer. These flowers are known to be attractive to bees and butterflies. Similarly to the lemon balm, lemon thyme gives off a citrus scent which cats dislike. Other fragrant plants to deter cats: Lavender Rosemary Rue Catnip Pennyroyal Oregano Curry plant Laws around deterring cats The RSPCA says: "Cats are protected by law and are free to roam meaning they might go into other people's gardens or allotments. It is understood that some may wish to deter other people's cats from those areas. "But attempting to prevent cats from entering a garden or an allotment, it is important to make sure that any deterrent methods used are non-harmful and don't cause pain, suffering, injury or distress." June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. Homeowners are warned that causing unnecessary suffering to a cat is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (AWA). It may also be an offence to put down snares, poison or an unlicensed deterrent. The AWA also prohibits poisoning protected animals. The maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of an offence under the AWA is up to six months imprisonment and/or a £20,000 fine.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
How to make chocolate chip cookies – recipe
Once upon a time, not so long ago, the only so-called chocolate chip cookies on offer in the UK were, in fact, biscuits – small, brittle ones peppered with tiny, waxy, cocoa-coloured pellets. When I finally discovered the soft, chewy American originals in a subterranean outlet at Birmingham New Street station, my teenage mind was officially blown. These are even better. Prep 25 min, plus chilling Cook 15 min Makes 15 120g room-temperature butter 170g dark chocolate 75g light brown sugar 75g granulated sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract A pinch of salt 1 egg, beaten240g plain flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda Sea salt flakes (optional) Make sure your butter is soft enough to beat – if your kitchen is very cold, or you've forgotten to get it out of the fridge in time, dice it and leave it out on the counter while you gather together the rest of the ingredients. I tend to use salted butter for baking, as for everything else, but it's up to you. Roughly chop the chocolate into small pieces; I like dark as a contrast to the sweet cookie dough, but you can use milk or white as you prefer, or a combination. (You could also swap some of it for chopped nuts, if you like, though this is not canonical.) Chocolate chips save you time, but don't melt in the same way. Put the butter in a stand mixer, or in a bowl anchored to the counter with a damp tea towel, and beat with the paddle attachment, electric beaters or a wooden spoon until very soft and spreadable, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Beat in the sugars; this is my preferred combination, because the relatively high water content of soft brown sugar keeps the dough moist and gives it a caramel flavour, while granulated demerara dissolves less easily, resulting in a slight crunch, but feel free to experiment with other options. Dark brown sugar will yield treacly notes, caster a smoother texture. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then, with the mixer still running (or still working hard with your wooden spoon), gradually work in the beaten egg until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture, again scraping down the sides of the bowl as required. Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda on top (or whisk them in a bowl first), then fold into the butter and sugar mixture – once it's thoroughly combined, try not to overwork the dough, because stirring develops the gluten, leading to tough cookies (not a good thing, in this instance). Fold in the chocolate pieces or other additions. Cover and chill. I like to refrigerate the dough at least overnight (it's good for up to 72 hours) to develop the flavour. Once chilled, divide the dough into golf ball-sized rounds and heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6. (If you're in a hurry and don't have time to chill the dough, divide and shape, then pop into the freezer while the oven's heating up.) Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper, then arrange the cookie dough balls spaced well apart on top. Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden but not browned – swap around the trays halfway through cooking, to ensure both sets of cookies bake evenly. Remove and leave the cookies on the trays to cool and firm up, then sprinkle them with a few salt flakes, if you like. It's worth making double the amount of dough, shaping into balls and freezing the excess, so you can have freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in about 20 minutes. To stop them sticking together, space the balls out on a tray and freeze solid, then tip into a bag for easier storage. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes on to the baking time. Felicity Cloake's new book, Peach Street to Lobster Lane: Coast to Coast in Search of Real American Cuisine, is published by Mudlark at £16.99. To order a copy for £15.29 go to
