I was invited to take part in a debate at the Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow yesterday evening, with Sophie Bridger, ex-president Liberal Youth Scotland and Gary McLelland (Chair, Edinburgh Secular Society), and we had what you might call a full and frank exchange of views. If you’re interested, here’s what I said…Secularism is the only reliable … Continue Reading
Category
Universal Humanism
Emma & Barry’s Humanist Wedding at Springfield Mill Nature Reserve
Emma and Barry first met at the very romantic setting of a service station at Kinross, en route to T in the Park, so an outdoor wedding was an obvious choice for them. Springfield Mill was somewhere they’d both spent time during their childhoods, camping and as they said in the ceremony, ‘generally doing things our parents … Continue Reading
Our Members Survey is up and running!
Please spare a few minutes of your time to let us know how we’re doing, and how the Humanist Society of Scotland could work better for you! As a fun incentive, we will be holding a prize draw from amongst the respondents, and the lucky winner will receive a Kindle! To complete the survey, simply go … Continue Reading
What DO humanists believe?
Humanism isn’t a faith. There are no high priests, no sacred texts, and no revealed truths. Instead, it’s a philosophy or life stance: a recognition that although we are fallible and the universe in which we live is mysterious, we are able to take responsibility for our lives, and create meaning in them.
Evonne & David’s Humanist Ceremony at Prestonfield House
I knew I was going to enjoy working with David and Evonne from the moment I read their homework where they told me a wonderful story about a showbiz legend – that sadly I can’t share here! I did get to tell it at the wedding though, which was a total hoot, as you can … Continue Reading
Donna & Jonas’s Humanist Wedding at Kirknewton Stables
Some days go perfectly and Jonas and Donna’s was one. We had ideal weather, and they created a textbook example of how informal yet moving a humanist wedding can be. Donna and Jonas wanted to start the ceremony by spending time with their friends, and they were waiting for me at the door when I … Continue Reading
Jane and Peter’s Humanist Wedding at The Glasshouse Hotel
The Glasshouse Hotel at the top of Leith Walk has a glorious roof garden, and one day I’m going to be lucky enough to conduct a wedding on it. But on the day Peter and Jane chose earlier this year, the sun was hiding behind a veil of haar, so instead, they married indoors with a … Continue Reading
Julie and Angus’s Humanist Wedding at Balbirnie House
Gus & Jules and Gus’s relationship was the definition of ‘opposites attract’.
Leigh & Gregor’s Humanist Wedding on Inchcolm Island
I always look forward to getting photos and cards from the couples I marry, telling me what made their day so special, but this is one I will never forget! Leigh and Gregor chose their wedding date because it was 16 years to the day since they met. As they said in their ceremony, “Home, … Continue Reading
A World Without Religion?
As any journalist will tell you, the answer to any headline that ends with a question mark is ‘probably not’, but it’s the title of an event next Monday evening, (August 5th) at The Just Festival here in Edinburgh. I’ll be in conversation with Richard Holloway, the author, broadcaster and former Bishop of Edinburgh and … Continue Reading