Our CEO Fraser Sutherland and Senga Ishaq posing the Holyrood debate chamber on the day she delivered Time for Reflection. Fraser wears a grey suit and Senga wears a blue blouse and light blue scarf.

Humanist celebrant Senga Ishaq delivers Time for Reflection at Scottish Parliament

February 5, 2025

In rare appearance for humanist at daily Holyrood slot, Senga talked about the importance of listening in order to deliver the best ceremonies and make ethical decisions.

We are delighted that Humanist Society Scotland celebrant Senga Ishaq has delivered Time for Reflection at Scottish Parliament. She spoke just before the stage-one budget debate on 4 February. This is the first time since 2022 and only the fourth time in the current parliamentary session (2021-26) that a humanist has been offered the Time for Reflection slot. The humanist community in Scotland is proud that a humanist has been given this space for reflection and consideration. And we’re particularly pleased that it was offered ahead of such an important discussion for the future of the country.

In 2021, it was found that since the establishment of Time for Reflection, 74% of contributions had been from Christians. Only 12% were from humanist and non-faith contributors.

Senga was born in Dennistoun in Glasgow and has lived in Fife, West Lothian and East Kilbride. She now lives in the rural Clyde Valley and focuses on her celebrant work for Humanist Society, after a long career with HSBC. Senga describes humanism as “about respecting and caring for your fellow human being in all circumstances, and enjoying life to the full, without causing any hurt to others. I respect everyone’s right to have a religious belief, or not.”

Time for Reflection was established with the birth of the Scottish parliament in 1999. It was devised as a secular alternative to Daily Prayers at Westminster. During a Holyrood debate at the time, the Labour MSP John McAllion noted that in Scotland “there are not just Protestants and Catholics. There are also humanists,….humanists’ beliefs and traditions must be kept in mind….They have every right to hold that principle and to have their views respected.” Despite this, in 2021, it was found that since the establishment of Time for Reflection, 74% of contributions had been from Christians. Only 12% were from humanist and non-faith contributors.

Humanist Society Scotland CEO Fraser Sutherland said: “We are delighted that Senga has represented humanism at Scottish Parliament. Senga is a long-time member of the Society and has held numerous voluntary roles, helping build the organisation into the national charity it is today.”

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