Fiona smiles while seated in a chair. She wears a light blue jumper and glasses and has light brown hair.

Remembering Fiona McLean

Lindsey Brunton, humanist celebrant

January 27, 2025

Humanist celebrant Lindsey Brunton remembers her friend, the humanist campaigner Fiona McLean.

Many will have been deeply shocked by the sudden passing of Fiona McLean in Edinburgh on 9 December. Fiona was a dedicated humanist and an active member of Humanist Society Scotland.

Despite facing numerous health challenges, Fiona never allowed them to limit her ambitions or passion for life. Outside of work, Fiona enjoyed travelling, reading, attending live concerts, cinema, community involvement and spending quality time with her family.

A committed vegan from her early teens, Fiona was a passionate advocate for animal rights. In addition to her involvement with Humanist Society Scotland, Fiona was also a member of the Vegan Society and the Turner Society.

Fiona’s friend, Eva Spevack, paid tribute to her at the funeral on January 10, capturing her essence with the words, “My good friend Fiona McLean may have been small in stature, but she had the heart of a giant.”

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