He was the nation’s first black professor, he discovered a key brewing process and has been a powerful voice in the Black Lives Matter movement - Sir Geoff Palmer is a force of nature.
Last week the 81-year-old’s inspirational endeavours were recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award at our glittering Pride of Scotland, in partnership with TSB, spectacular.
Forever humble Sir Geoff, who is regarded as the godfather of Scotland’s black community, was visibly moved to receive his trophy from BAFTA nominated director Stewart Kyasimire.
He also used the words of Robert Burns to praise the awards for celebrating the nation’s “goodness.”
Sir Geoff, who is married to educational psychologist Margaret, said: “I consider this award a great honour, not just for me but for all the people who supported me throughout my life. It means so much and it feels fantastic to be recognised for all my work.
“I am so happy to be honoured alongside so many brave and inspirational men, women and children. I was looking around the room trying to find the words and it was those of Robert Burns that came to me: ‘Whatever mitigates the woes or increases the happiness of others-this is my criterion of goodness.’
“There is so much goodness in the people of this country and they help vanquish all the sadness and strife. Scotland should be proud of them.”
Stewart, who directed lauded BBC documentary Black and Scottish, said: “It was a beautiful experience being able to honour such a humble man. He is a true inspiration to the black community. He is a godfather figure to everyone who is black and Scottish.”
Sir Geoff, was born in Jamaica but moved to the UK at the age of 15. His dressmaker single mum Ivy Larmond-Palmer was part of the Windrush generation and saved for four years to get the £86 for his ticket.
She would later become a victim of the Windrush scandal and faced deportation and Sir Geoff had a plaque placed in George Square Garden at Edinburgh University to commemorate her life.
He said: “My mum reckoned I was God’s vehicle and my achievements are his so I know she would be very proud that people reckon I am the pride of Scotland.”
Despite, being assessed as educationally subnormal at his first school, Sir Geoff’s cricket skills earned him a place at Highbury County Grammar School. He went on to a degree in botany at the University of Leicester.
He discovered the barley abrasion process, subsequently adopted by the UK’s biggest breweries, and became Scotland’s first black professor in 1988.
Sir Geoff, who is now emeritus professor in the School of Life Sciences at Heriot-Watt University as well as their new chancellor, won the equivalent of a Nobel prize for brewing in 1998.
During the last year Sir Geoff has been a powerful voice in the movement for change prompted by Black Lives Matter, after many years as a human rights activist including campaigning for a reinterpretation of the Melville Monument in Edinburgh honouring Henry Dundas.
Sir Geoff, who leads the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group, does not think statues of people linked to the slave trade - like Dundas should be taken down, instead he suggests plaques acknowledging their involvenent should be added.
He said: “I sent my DNA off to be tested and it came back that I was 97 per cent African and three per cent viking from Shetland. We are all genetically linked. We are one humanity no matter the colour of our skin.”
Sir Geoff received messages of support from Sir Trevor MacDonald and Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
The former newsreader said: “You’ve done immense work in so many fields: the brewing industry, botany, as an educator and in the important field of community relations. You are such an inspiration to us all.”
Campaigner Doreen, whose son Stephen was murdered in a racist attack in 1993, said: “Congratulations on your award. It’s well deserved for all the hard work you have done.”
ITALY may have triumphed in the Euros but Scotland did their nation more than proud in their first major tournament in 23 years.
Outplaying England at Wembley will go down in history as one of the greatest sporting moments of all time and was one of the reasons they scooped the Pride of Scotland People’s Award.
Although they bowed out early, Scotland’s men did it with their heads held high, pride in the national team restored and a brighter future on the horizon.
Since taking over two years ago, Steve Clarke has built a team brimming with energy, fearlessness and belief, making the most of generational talents such as Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney.
And with nine of the Euros squad aged under 25, including the mercurial Billy Gilmour, we can be confident we won’t have to wait another two decades for our next shot at glory.
Accepting the trophy on behalf of his team, who were taking a well earned break before the new season, gaffer Clarke said: “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the squad. We got to the Euros for the first time in 23 years. It was a big thing for the country and this group of players.
“Hopefully we can learn our lessons and we don’t need to wait as long for the next tournament. We will go away and learn from it. “Through all these games they acquitted themselves well and tried their
best. They are a relatively young squad and have shown good qualities.”
Pride of Scotland host Nicky Campbell said: “They really did inspire the whole nation. We’ve cheered the Scotland men’s team on at a major tournament.
“And while we couldn’t quite make it to the knockout stages, giving England the runaround at Wembley will live long in the memory of the Tartan Army.”
Co-host Kirsty Gallacher said: “Steve Clarke’s boys restored pride in the team and have given us
hope that we won’t have to wait another 20 years for our next shot at glory.
“That is why they are the very worthy winners of Pride of Scotland’s People’s Award.”
- Watch the Pride of Scotland Awards on Tuesday July 27 at 8pm
