SCOTLAND’S first black professor, Sir Geoff Palmer, has died aged 85.
The brewing pioneer and human rights campaigner was a fixture of Scotland’s academic scene and was known for his efforts to help Scots address the country’s colonial past.
First Minister John Swinney and Heriot-Watt University, where he was chancellor, led the tributes.
The university said in a statement: “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.”
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
SNP leader Swinney said: “I am very saddened to hear this news. 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.”
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop was among the others to pay tribute. She said: “Sir Geoff Palmer was a hero for Scotland in so many ways. I always loved meeting him and will always remember his infectious enthusiasm and smile.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Palmer was known for being generous with his time and for his permanently affable manner, even during disputes.
Professor Richard A Williams, the principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: "Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world.
"He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time."
Palmer came to the UK from Jamaica in 1955 to join his mother in London.
After studying grain science and technology, he became Scotland’s first black professor in 1989.
Palmer invented the barley abrasion process, which speeds up the malting process by damaging the protective husks of grains.
In 1998, Palmer was honoured with the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction, considered the "Nobel Prize of brewing".
His discovery attracted the funding that established the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling as part of the Heriot-Watt campus.
He was knighted in the 2014 New Year honours for services to human rights, science, and charity.
He was the 2020 recipient of the Jamaican national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), and in 2021 was appointed chancellor of Heriot Watt university.
