Published:
Heriot-Watt University is saddened by the death of its Deputy Chair of Court, Cameron Millar.
Cameron passed away on 5 February at the age of 56 after battling a long-term illness.
Cameron began his association with the University in 1989 when he graduated with a BA Honours in Economics. He went on to enjoy a successful career in investment banking, working for international organisations including Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank, and The Royal Bank of Scotland.
In 2018, Cameron assumed the role of Deputy Chair of Court, overseeing the University's financial, contractual, and academic affairs. Additionally, he served as an elected Member of the Watt Club Council since 2017, demonstrating a keen interest in driving initiatives aimed at fostering equal access to higher education, regardless of one's background or economic status.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, extends his heartfelt condolences, emphasising Cameron's profound dedication to the University and its community.
He said: “Cameron was a much-loved member of our community who displayed a deep passion for this University, its staff, and students. Indeed, he will be warmly remembered for his unwavering commitment to widening access to education. This was perhaps best illustrated through his vital role as a member of our 1821 Appeal Board, which was established specifically with the aim of raising funds to help underrepresented students enter higher education.
“Cameron improved lives and ensured a great many young people received the chance to fulfil their dreams.
“News of Cameron’s passing has dealt a devastating blow to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Cameron had a strong family connection to Heriot-Watt; his father studied at the University and was a civil engineering project manager on the Riccarton campus when it was being built in the 1970s, while his grandfather studied Chemistry at Heriot-Watt.
A keen hillwalker, Cameron was born in Essex but raised in Edinburgh. He was educated at the city’s Craigmount High School between 1979 and 1985. He enjoyed exploring the great outdoors, and when not scaling the Scottish countryside, he would ski, cycle, and build his beloved whisky collection.
In January 2020, Cameron received the devastating news that he had stage four lung cancer despite never smoking. Determined to raise awareness of the disease, known as ALK-positive lung cancer, Cameron took part in the 2022 Edinburgh Marathon and helped fundraise on behalf of Maggie’s. He was also a Board Trustee of the National Cancer Research Institute.