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Motion · S6M-17982 · 16 Jun 2025

Honouring the Life and Legacy of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, CD, KT

Lodged by Foysol Choudhury Members' Business Motion 37 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes with sadness the recent death of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer; recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer to Scotland as a pioneering scientist, academic, human rights advocate, and champion of racial equality; acknowledges his ground-breaking scientific work in the field of brewing and cereal science, which, it understands, revolutionised the malting process and earned him international acclaim; notes his role as the first Black professor in Scotland, and his lifelong commitment to education, inclusion and justice; commends his tireless advocacy for addressing Scotland’s historical links to slavery and colonialism, including his leadership as chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group; recognises what it sees as his influence in shaping a more honest and inclusive national narrative; further recognises that he has been the recipient of numerous honours for his work, including being knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, as well as receiving the Jamaican Order of Distinction and Royal Order of the Thistle in 2024; notes the calls for permanent recognition of his legacy through educational programmes, commemoration, and the inclusion of his achievements in Scotland’s national story, so that future generations remember and celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions; celebrates the incredible life and achievements of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, and hopes that his vision of a world free of prejudice and racism can be achieved.

Supporters (37)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.