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

Rushing off on honeymoon?
A couple of ideas for you. If you’re heading off somewhere exotic the day after your wedding, you probably won’t be able to return the signed copy of the Marriage Schedule to the Registrar’s office. What you can do though, is ask someone at your wedding venue to photocopy the signed schedule for you to … Continue Reading
It’s Time
As the Scottish Parliament prepares to debate the introduction of Same Sex Marriage tomorrow, take a peek at this wee fillum. I’m in there somewhere, alongside my colleagues Marilyn Jackson and Ross Wright! You can also play ‘Spot The Celebrity’ – I noticed Alan Cumming and Wee Eck, but there are quite a few other … Continue Reading