Scotland’s first black professor, Sir Geoff Palmer, has passed away at the age of 85.

He reportedly had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022.

Sir Geoff moved to the United Kingdom (UK) from Jamaica in his teens and became known for being an academic and a human rights advocate. Notably, he served as chancellor and professor emeritus at Heriot-Watt University.

According to a BBC report, he was known for his involvement in advocacy for the black community, which had him invited by Edinburgh City Council to chair a review group looking at the city’s colonial legacy. The council was responsible for several recommendations including that the city council should apologise for Edinburgh’s past role in slavery and colonialism, the report said.

Following his retirement, he earned the academic title of professor emeritus. He was knighted in 2014 for services in the fields of human rights, science and charity.

In 2018, the Jamaican government appointed Sir Geoff as Jamaica’s first Honorary Consul in Scotland and in 2020, he was awarded with the Jamaican national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), in recognition of his contribution to the Jamaican Diaspora.

He was also awarded Scotland’s highest royal honour, the Order of the Thistle, for his contributions to national life and public service.

Following his passing, his friends and colleagues have taken to social media to highlight his impact on black culture and offer their condolences.