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Scotland’s highest royal honour, the Order of the Thistle, has been awarded to Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.
It is in recognition of Sir Geoff’s significant contributions to national life and public service.
This year’s other new recipients are King Charles’ brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black and distinguished lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy.
Sir Geoff became Scotland’s first black professor in 1989 and has served as Chancellor of the University since 2021.
Giving his reaction to the honour, which can only be bestowed by the monarch, Sir Geoff said: “This is a tremendously proud moment for me and my family. The Order of the Thistle is steeped in a rich, cultural history that I am now proud to be part of; it comes with a real sense of responsibility, and I’m truly honoured to have been selected.”
Established by King James VII of Scotland (James II) in 1687, the Order of the Thistle holds deep historical roots, possibly extending further back in time. Its current roster of 16 knights comprises individuals who have excelled in various fields or have served in prominent public capacities.
Among its esteemed members are Prince William, Princess Anne, as well as several distinguished figures from the aristocracy and the House of Lords. St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh serves as the venue for the Order of the Thistle service, underscoring its profound connection to Scottish heritage and tradition.
Described as a recognition traditionally reserved for Scots or individuals of Scottish descent, the honour symbolises a profound commitment to Scotland's welfare and cultural legacy.
Professor Sir Geoff Palmer is Heriot-Watt’s second Chancellor to receive the Order with Lord Mackay of Clashfern, the University’s longest serving Chancellor (1981-2005), having been awarded the title in the late 1990s.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “I’m immensely proud to see our esteemed Chancellor, Sir Geoff Palmer recognised with the Order of the Thistle. His dedication to scholarship, leadership and service epitomises the values we cherish in higher education. This honour not only reflects individual excellence but also illuminates the collective spirit of this University.”
Sir Geoff’s association with the University began when he completed his PhD in grain science and technology jointly with Heriot-Watt College and the University of Edinburgh in the 1960s. He went on to a successful research career in Surrey before moving back to Heriot-Watt in 1977 where he worked until his retirement in 2005.
During this time, Sir Geoff invented the barley abrasion process, the success of which attracted funding to establish the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling as part of the Heriot-Watt campus in Edinburgh. Following his retirement, he earned the academic title of professor emeritus.