Fraser Sutherland address a crowd (not visible) from a podium wearing a blue suit and green tweed tie against a purple wall. He has short brown hair and his hands opened as if to clarify a point.

Our CEO interviewed in The National on religious rep education votes

May 29, 2023

Our CEO Fraser Sutherland spoke to The National‘s Steph Brawn in an interview published on Sunday 28 May. He outlined our opposition to the “historical hangover” of religious representatives having voting rights on local education committees. Fraser and Steph also…

Our CEO interviewed in The National on religious rep education votes
An image of Gemma leaning against a concrete waymarker, probably on a mountain walk, on a foggy day. She smiles at the camera, has died auburn hair and a maroon jacket.

Humanist Society interviews: Gemma Clark

May 22, 2023

At Humanist Society Scotland, we love talking to inspiring campaigners. We got to know abortion-rights activist and primary schoolteacher Gemma Clark through her awareness-raising work on the need for buffer zones around abortion services. Scotland is the last part of…

Humanist Society interviews: Gemma Clark
An image of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood with Calton Hill and the city of Edinburgh in the background.

Our priorities for Humza Yousaf

April 25, 2023

The current parliamentary term could be a pivotal time for humanism in Scotland. We look forward to the passing of a law to protect women from harassment outside abortion clinics, and we hope that new rules will follow to ensure…

Our priorities for Humza Yousaf
Vic Valentine addresses a pro-trans rights rally infront of a sign asking MSPs to vote for the GRA reform bill. People around them hold placards that read "Trans Rights Now" and they wave trans pride flags.

Humanist Society interviews: Vic Valentine of Scottish Trans Alliance

March 31, 2023

Today, 31 March 2023, is International Trans Day of Visibility. Humanist Society Scotland has a long relationship with Scotland’s LGBT+ communities and the last 12 months have been significant and trying ones for trans people in Scotland. Holyrood passed a…

Humanist Society interviews: Vic Valentine of Scottish Trans Alliance
A picture of Humza Yousaf in a blue suit and tartan tie in a living room-type space with lamp and painting in the background. He is shown from the torso up and is positioned to the right of shot, smiling at the camera.

Humanist Society responds to election of Humza Yousaf

March 27, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland notes the election of Humza Yousaf as new leader of the Scottish National Party and candidate for first minister of Scotland. We wish Mr Yousaf all the best in his new role and look forward to working…

Humanist Society responds to election of Humza Yousaf
A picture of Kate Forbes wearing a red jacket and flowered dress in an interior with circular windows in the background.

Humanist Society comments on Kate Forbes’s links to evangelical charities in Third Force News

February 22, 2023

We offered our thoughts on Kate Forbes’s connections to a number of evangelical Christian organisations for an article by Niall Christie in Third Force News. Here’s our statement for Third Force News in full: “Humanist Society Scotland is aware of…

Humanist Society comments on Kate Forbes’s links to evangelical charities in Third Force News
Fraser Sutherland, wearing a blue suit, addresses a crowd infront of a banner reading "Humanist Society Scotland".

Our CEO talks Kate Forbes, faith, and policy-making on BBC Radio Scotland

Humanist Society Scotland CEO Fraser Sutherland appeared on BBC Radio Scotland on 21 February to talk about faith and policy-making in a secular country. There has been much discussion in recent days of FM candidate Kate Forbes’s links to a…

Our CEO talks Kate Forbes, faith, and policy-making on BBC Radio Scotland
Bute House in Edinburgh, the first minister's official residence.

Humanist Society Scotland on Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation

February 15, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland notes the resignation of Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon. As first minister Ms Sturgeon has led Scotland through a time of progressive change, including improving LGBT+ inclusive education in schools, strengthening children’s rights and, more recently, overseeing…

Humanist Society Scotland on Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation
The trans pride flag flying against a bright sky

Gender Recognition Act

We support a person’s right to live as and be legally recognised as the gender that they identify with.

Gender Recognition Act

A little bit of Australia in Scotland

July 1, 2022

This morning Humanist Society Scotland Chief Exec, Fraser Sutherland, and Policy and Campaign Officer, Will Norton, had the honour of meeting Fiona Patten MP, a member of the Parliament of Victoria in Australia.  For years, Fiona has been a champion…

A little bit of Australia in Scotland
Humanist Society Scotland Celebrant Ross Wright and his husband, Efrain Acosta, holding hands and laughing while guests throw flowers as confetti

Officiant of first same sex marriage in Scotland marries

June 30, 2022

We mark the end of Pride month, with a ‘good news story’ of our own, which also gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come in Scotland. More than 7 years after he officiated the first same…

Officiant of first same sex marriage in Scotland marries