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

September 8, 2026

Our celebrant Ailsa McMillan delivered a brilliant Time for Reflection speech ahead of the day’s business at Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 8 September. Ailsa took the opportunity to reflect on the challenges to human creativity by AI, but also her belief that we will never grow tired of our need for human connection and intimacy

Ailsa’s Time for Reflection speech

“We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.”

“Good afternoon and thank you for inviting me here. My name is Ailsa McMillan – I am a Humanist and a Celebrant with the charity Humanist Society Scotland. Today I invite you to take time and reflect on something that is deeply human – communication and storytelling.

“I opened with words of the philosopher Carl Rogers, and their power and importance remain today. In a world where technology is often the first thing we access to provide answers, we are missing a trick and some joy.

“We have all used technology to support professional and academic development, banking, shopping or even to answer a question we should know the answer to. Technology offers immense benefit, yet I value, more than anything human connection. Artificial intelligence provides quick responses and outcomes, perfectly formed sentences, and beautifully polished soundbites, but not the delightful, messy and perfectly imperfect human responses.

Silver-haired woman in a dark dress smiles joyfully while standing in a sunlit forest, conveying warmth, confidence, and contentment.

Artificial intelligence provides quick responses and outcomes, perfectly formed sentences, and beautifully polished soundbites, but not the delightful, messy and perfectly imperfect human responses.

Image description: Ailsa in a blue trouser suit smiling against a forest background.

“Connecting with people, hearing and sharing stories, and valuing their being, cannot be replaced by AI. Reciprocity in communication is what makes it work, brings us joy and enables us all to share stories. That reciprocity is missing when we use technology to generate our responses.

“In our roles we have the privilege of hearing stories. Each voice enriching the exquisite tapestry of humanity. When we create space for other’s voices, we create moments of kindness and connection. We can intentionally ask curious questions, take time to hear answers, notice the person and the impact our willingness to listen can have.

“Viewing AI through a person-centred lens, is less likely to diminish employment opportunities or meaningful human occupation, and will enable us to use it for good. To paraphrase Dolly Parton, we can ‘“’create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more and become more’”’.

“So, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the people and stories that bring you joy. Tacit feelings you can’t articulate but experience because of human connection. A person trusting you with their story, a conversation that stays with you long after it has ended. These things remind us that despite the extraordinary application of technology, being human is the most potent force for change that we know.

Ailsa’s full Time for Reflection speech

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