Remembering Prof John M. MacKenzie

We were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Prof John M. MacKenzie, one of the foremost historians of imperialism, of any period, a scholar in environmental history and a dear friend of the UHI Centre for History.

Prof MacKenzie was a Visiting Professor at UHI Centre for History from 2016 to 2026, and we will remember him as a kind, generous and thoughtful person, and a major, deeply-incisive historian, as his many lectures and scholarly support for UHI Centre for History staff and students made clear in the years that followed that award.

Dr Jim MacPherson, who worked closely with Prof MacKenzie noted: ‘John was the foremost historian of empire in the UK, whose pioneering work created a new paradigm for viewing the impact of empire at home. Through his books and his editing of Manchester University Press' 'Studies in Imperialism' series, John inspired generations of historians to examine the intimate connections between the empire and the metropole. John made us see the continuing impact of empire on life in the British Isles, and his soaring intellect, collegiality and conviviality will be sorely missed.’

Interim Head of Centre, Dr Lucy Dean added: ‘John was such a generous scholar and a true friend of the Centre. He will be greatly missed.’

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Prof MacKenzie's friends and family at this time.