Humanist Society Scotland

Scotland’s national humanist charity.

We are a member-powered organisation campaigning to make Scotland a more secular, rational, and socially just country: from assisted dying to LGBT+ rights and much more. Our celebrants ensure that people across Scotland have access to humanist weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies

Cartoon showing two people looking at a star filled night sky with question marks above their heads.

What is humanism? Some thoughts from Humanist Society Scotland

October 3, 2022

As Scotland’s national humanist charity, we often find ourselves in discussion with people who don’t know what humanism is. We also find that, within our community, a lot of people repeat the same statement to us: “I was a humanist…

Latest News

Close-up portrait of a bald, bearded man wearing round glasses, facing the camera with a calm, slight smile against orange and gray walls.

Humanist Society delighted to welcome Jamie Dunlop as new CEO

Humanist Society delighted to welcome Jamie Dunlop as new CEO
Smiling gray-haired woman in a red jacket leans against a wooden bench, conveying warmth and confidence in a formal setting.

Humanist celebrant Ailsa McMillan delivers Time for Reflection at Scottish Parliament

Humanist celebrant Ailsa McMillan delivers Time for Reflection at Scottish Parliament
Saskia holds baby Bram and looks on smiling as Greg nuzzles into Bram who giggles.

Humanist Society interview series: our Communications Manager Greg on his naming ceremony for son Bram

Humanist Society interview series: our Communications Manager Greg on his naming ceremony for son Bram
“Read with Neil Mackay” graphic asks why Scotland has not decriminalised abortion, highlighting reform efforts amid populist attacks.

Humanist society unveils scale of evangelical lobbying at Holyrood in Herald article on fight for abortion decriminalisation

Humanist society unveils scale of evangelical lobbying at Holyrood in Herald article on fight for abortion decriminalisation
A diverse climate protest fills a city street as marchers hold signs and a red banner reading “System Change, Not Climate Change.”

Humanist Society co-signs Stop Climate Chaos Scotland letter to incoming UK Prime Minister

Humanist Society co-signs Stop Climate Chaos Scotland letter to incoming UK Prime Minister
Profile picture of Maggie Kinloch, who has short grey hair and smiles with delight at the camera.

Humanist Society interview series: theatre director Maggie Kinloch on telling stories as a humanist celebrant

Humanist Society interview series: theatre director Maggie Kinloch on telling stories as a humanist celebrant
Snip of cover of Humanitie magazine Summer 2026. Text reads "All change: humanist possibilities in a new parliament"

Get your free copy of Humanitie, our bi-annual magazine, Summer 2026 issue

Get your free copy of Humanitie, our bi-annual magazine, Summer 2026 issue
Edinburgh cityscape at dusk, with blue and pink sky.

Humanist Society co-authors Scottish Government Faith and Belief Representatives’ Group Statement of Solidarity with Racially Minoritised Communities

Humanist Society co-authors Scottish Government Faith and Belief Representatives’ Group Statement of Solidarity with Racially Minoritised Communities
Kate Forbes speaking at a conference podium with the word HOPE on it. She has long brown hair and wears a red dress.

Dear Kate, Scotland doesn’t need to be saved by “Biblical truths”

Dear Kate, Scotland doesn’t need to be saved by “Biblical truths”
Humanist Society Scotland Logo

Secure your wedding date

Secure your permanently authorised and fully trained humanist celebrant today

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

Sunday 20th September

10:30am – 12:30pm

Sunday Morning Kaffeeklatsch (Edinburgh)

Hosted by the Edinburgh Humanists.  All are welcome at this informal coffee morning at Victor Hugo Deli.

Saturday 14th November

9:30am – 5:00pm

Festival of Humanism 2026

Join us for our Festival of Humanism 2026! At Glasgow’s Clayton Hotel on 14 November, 9.30am-5pm. With talks and performances on LGBT+ rights, arts and ecology, Christian nationalist money in our politics, religion in education, and more. Full price: £60….

Tuesday 8th December

7:30pm – 8:45pm

Humanist Book Group (online)

Join us online for a relaxed and festive December book group gathering.

Sign up to our newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list and we’ll send you updates about campaigns, events and any other news from the Society

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

Saskia holds baby Bram and looks on smiling as Greg nuzzles into Bram who giggles.

Our naming ceremony: Saskia, Greg and baby Bram

Our naming ceremony: Saskia, Greg and baby Bram
Celebrant Iona stands against an autumnal backdrop. She has blonde shoulder length hair and red glasses. Iona wears black and looks the camera, holding an open folder.

Meet the funeral celebrant: Iona Scott

Meet the funeral celebrant: Iona Scott
Wedding couple stand on beach embracing one another. The sun shines between them.

Humanist wedding 101: Guide to outdoor wedding ceremonies in Scotland

Humanist wedding 101: Guide to outdoor wedding ceremonies in Scotland
Lindsay smiles at the camera. she has long blonde hair which she wears down. Lindsay wears a light blue blazer.

Meet the funeral celebrant: Dr Lindsay de Wal

Meet the funeral celebrant: Dr Lindsay de Wal
Lorraine smiles warmly at the camera. She has a short blonde bob and wears a black buttoned up blouse.

Meet the funeral celebrant: Lorraine Hendry

Meet the funeral celebrant: Lorraine Hendry
Headshot of Derek Powell. He smiles at the camera. Derek has short brown hair and wears glasses with clear plastic rim and a cream patterned shirt.

Meet the funeral celebrant: Derek Powell

Meet the funeral celebrant: Derek Powell
Couple laugh as they read vows to each other during their outdoor wedding ceremony. Celebrant looks on smiling.

Humanist wedding 101: structuring your ceremony

Humanist wedding 101: structuring your ceremony
The twinkly lights of Royal Exchange Square shine outside the window. Bride and groom sit on the window ledge, facing one another, hands clasped together.

Planning a twilight wedding

Planning a twilight wedding
Cartoon showing a group of people holding up signs and banners that read "Autonomy," "Compassion," and "End-of-life Choice."

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.

Cartoon showing a diverse group of young people (teenagers) holding up a set of placards with images that signify our commitments and activities, such as a female gender symbol, a green and healthy planet, a wedding ceremony, an LGBT+ pride flag, and the classic symbol representing the atom/science

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