Flowers held in hanging decorations made from lightbulbs

Humanist Society Scotland

Scotland’s national humanist charity.

Our work has helped to make Scotland a more secular, rational, and socially just country, and to ensure everyone in Scotland has access to humanist ceremonies to mark important life events.

Latest News

Fraser Sutherland address a crowd (not visible) from a podium wearing a blue suit and green tweed tie against a purple wall. He has short brown hair and his hands opened as if to clarify a point.

Our CEO interviewed in The National on religious rep education votes

Our CEO interviewed in The National on religious rep education votes
Sunset in the Trossachs. A salmon=pink and blue sky above mountain ranges in the distance and moorland covered in trees and mist in the foreground.

Humanist Society has its say on assisted dying in the media

Humanist Society has its say on assisted dying in the media
An image of Gemma leaning against a concrete waymarker, probably on a mountain walk, on a foggy day. She smiles at the camera, has died auburn hair and a maroon jacket.

Humanist Society interviews: Gemma Clark

Humanist Society interviews: Gemma Clark
An image of Auldearn Primary School near Nairn, a stone building with large windows and a slate roof, flanked by pine trees and with a highland landscape in the background.

Highland Council removes votes from religious representatives on education committee

Highland Council removes votes from religious representatives on education committee
A portrait shot of Greg McHugh. He wears a blue shirt and has short brown hair. He smiles at the camera

Humanist Society interviews: Greg McHugh

Humanist Society interviews: Greg McHugh
An image of Orkney Council offices, a stone building with two stories and a slate roof.

Orkney Council removes voting rights from religious reps on education committee

Orkney Council removes voting rights from religious reps on education committee
A view of a child's hand being raised in a classroom and a teacher selecting them to make a comment or answer a question.

Schools did not provide balance to anti-abortion visits: Humanist Society comments in The Herald

Schools did not provide balance to anti-abortion visits: Humanist Society comments in The Herald
An image of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood with Calton Hill and the city of Edinburgh in the background.

Our priorities for Humza Yousaf

Our priorities for Humza Yousaf
A selfie photograph of Jackie. She wears a yellow and blue abstract patterned blouse, has short blond hair and earrings, and smiles at the camera.

Humanist Society interviews: Jackie Roberts, Dignity in Dying campaigner

Humanist Society interviews: Jackie Roberts, Dignity in Dying campaigner
Humanist Society Scotland Logo

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Humanist Society Scotland members march at COP 26

What is Humanism?

Humanism is a non-religious approach to living an ethical life that is based on reason, compassion, and tolerance. Humanists use science and rational inquiry to try to explain the universe, and reject supernatural explanations. Humanism is a democratic belief system that values all humans equally. It places the happiness and flourishing of all humans at its centre, and encourages cooperation towards this shared common goal

Two male adults and three children waving and celebrating

Find your celebrant!

Start looking for a celebrant to conduct your humanist ceremony in Scotland.

Events

Tuesday 20th June

6:00pm – 8:00pm

2023 AGM

Members of Humanist Society Scotland are invited to attend the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

Monday 5th June

7:30pm – 9:00pm

Biobank – what is it and how does it benefit medical research?

Guest speaker Cathie Sudlow, Professor of Neurology and Clinical Epidemiology, at the Centre for Medical Informatics, University of Edinburgh will talk about Biobank – what is it and how it benefits medical research.

Monday 12th June

6:00pm – 9:00pm

The Green Lie – online film screening and discussion

A documentary film screening online, followed by a discussion on Zoom as part of the Climate Fringe Festival. Join us for ‘The Green Lie’, directed by Werner Boote.

Thursday 15th June

7:00pm – 9:00pm

The Time Travel Game – part of the Climate Fringe Festival

Join us for an interactive games night online! Free to participate in. It is one thing to say ‘Another World is Possible.’ It’s another to experience it, however momentarily.

Saturday 17th June

12:00pm – 3:00pm

Picnic and Play – Family Fun in East Pollokshields

Enjoy a FREE family fun event with Licketyspit, Kin Kitchen and The Hidden Gardens. Bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens, they are open for everyone to enjoy from 12pm – 5pm, and there are free workshops for children aged 3-8 and their families from 1pm-3pm.

Sunday 18th June

11:30am – 1:30pm

World Humanist Day guided geological walk and picnic

Enjoy this geologically inspired walk led by Angus Miller in Edinburgh.  A bespoke walking tour for those interested in the deep-time aspects of geology and its relevance to Humanism and Humanists.

Wednesday 21st June

7:00pm – 9:00pm

An introduction to humanism and recent humanist campaigns

An informative and engaging evening on the subject of humanism, and an opportunity to hear the latest updates on Humanist Society Scotland’s campaigning work from Chief Executive, Fraser Sutherland.

Thursday 22nd June

7:00pm – 8:30pm

Tree planting and picnic in Oban

Argyll Humanists will be planting a fruit tree to celebrate World Humanist Day, followed by a picnic. Anyone interested in humanism is very welcome to come along and enjoy a leisurely picnic.

Saturday 24th June

1:30pm – 5:00pm

Pride Edinburgh Community Fair 2023

Pride Edinburgh will be back and bigger than ever, on Saturday, June 24th, 2023.  This is Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity, Pride Edinburgh ensures the rainbow shines over the capital city.

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Flowers held in hanging decorations made from lightbulbs

Secure Your Date

If you know your wedding date, secure it now!

You can book just the date and find your celebrant later, book the date and have us find you an available celebrant, or book the date and your chosen celebrant now

Ceremonies Blog

Bride Kathryn & groom Colin surrounded by their guests in Oran Mor's auditorium

Real wedding: T in the Park…

Real wedding: T in the Park…
Charlotte & Jack exiting the church, as their guests throw confetti

Real wedding: Camaraderie…

Real wedding: Camaraderie…
Photo of Andrew & Callum after they're married, taken in the grounds of Enterkine House

Real wedding: Love is love…

Real wedding: Love is love…
Holding a handmade gift wrapped in brown paper and string and decorated with dried flowers

Are wedding favours still a thing?

Are wedding favours still a thing?
Biodegradable invitation with biodegradable envelope and sustainable decorations

Biodegradable stationery

Biodegradable stationery
Outdoor setting set up for wedding ceremony with white chairs for guests creating an aisle

Choosing a more eco-friendly venue

Choosing a more eco-friendly venue
Outdoor barn style venue decorated with reclaimed barrels and lights

DIY decor

DIY decor
Fresh local produce including potatoes and tomatoes in a brown recyclable paper bag

Fair food and drink

Fair food and drink
"The time is now"

Assisted Dying campaign

We have long campaigned for compassionate choice at the end of life, and we are currently supporting the proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. The Bill was created with our support alongside our coalition partners Dignity in Dying Scotland, and Friends at the End, and is being  taken forward by Liam McArthur MSP.

Education resources

We provide a range of resources for children and young people on humanism that can be supplied to teachers, students, and parents free of charge.