Susan at a lectern delivering Time for Reflection

Our celebrant Susan Macleod delivers Time for Reflection at Scottish parliament

February 4, 2026

Our celebrant Susan Macleod delivered a beautiful Time for Reflection in Scottish Parliament on 3 February, tying together the themes of nursing, island life, and humanism that have shaped her life

Susan also met up with Liam McArthur MSP, who brought forward the bill to legalise assisted dying in Scotland. Susan has written about her own belief in assisted dying for our news blog.

We’re delighted to share the full text of Susan’s Time for Reflection address:

Susan Macleod, Time for Reflection address

Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to share my reflections with you today. The year 1999 stands out as a pivotal moment in Scotland’s history, it marked the beginning of this Parliament, a time when hope and pride filled the air as we, the people of Scotland, embarked on a journey to create something new and positive. For me personally, 1999 was also the year I began my nursing career, a path that similarly filled me with optimism and a sense of purpose as I entered a new era in my own life.

Nursing has profoundly shaped my worldview, helping me to identify my thoughts and beliefs as rooted in humanism. It also led me to relocate to Orkney in 2014. While I will never be an Orcadian, I have been warmly welcomed as an islander, and this sense of belonging has deepened my appreciation for the enduring principles of humanism that resonate so strongly within island communities and Scottish democracy.

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SUSAN MACLEOD WITH LIAM MCARTHUR MSP AFTER HER TIME FOR REFLECTION ADDRESS — SUSAN MACLEOD WITH LIAM MCARTHUR MSP AFTER HER TIME FOR REFLECTION ADDRESS

Humanism champions the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. It calls us to reason, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge, not merely for its own sake, but to improve our collective lives. Island life is defined by community; neighbours rely on one another to weather both literal and metaphorical storms. Here, the values of mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation are not just ideals but daily necessities. Our shared humanity is the anchor that steadies us through challenges.

These principles are also woven into the spirit of the Scottish Parliament. Our devolved government was founded on the promise of openness, accountability, and accessibility for all Scots, whether they reside in bustling cities or the most remote islands. Your commitment to public service mirrors the humanist belief that our decisions should foster the well-being of everyone, especially those whose voices risk being overlooked.

Humanism teaches us to cherish diversity, celebrate local cultures, and uphold individual rights. The islands, with their unique traditions and vibrant communities, remind us that progress must never come at the expense of identity or equality. The Scottish Parliament’s commitment to island communities reflects this ethos, ensuring policies are shaped by lived experience.

Humanism is not an abstract concept but a lived practice, a guiding light for both the everyday kindness of islanders and the deliberations of our Parliament. By rooting our governance in reason, compassion, experience, and inclusivity, we can create a Scotland where every island, every community, and every individual flourishes.

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