Our Charity Archives - Humanist Society Scotland

A portrait shot of Greg McHugh. He wears a blue shirt and has short brown hair. He smiles at the camera

Humanist Society interviews: Greg McHugh

May 9, 2023

Greg McHugh is one of Scotland’s most beloved actors and comedians. He rose to fame portraying Gary Tank Commander, a sunny and simple army veteran who gets up to pranks in his hometown with his pals and family while on…

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

Humanist Society interviews: Joe Goldblatt of Interfaith Edinburgh

April 10, 2023

Professor Joe Goldblatt is an academic and writer who serves as chair of Edinburgh Interfaith Association, the oldest organisation of its kind in Scotland. Humanist Society Scotland got to know Joe and EIA through our work together on the Scottish…

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…

Humza Yousaf talks at a podium in front of a black curtain. He wears a blue suit and tartan tie.

Humanist Society requests assisted dying meeting with Humza Yousaf

March 27, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland has written to the new SNP leader Humza Yousaf to request a meeting on the bill to legalise assisted dying that will shortly come before Holyrood. Mr Yousaf, who was elected as the next candidate for first…

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

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…

This image shows the meeting house at Sussex University in England, the first university meeting place whose appointed religious representative is a humanist. It is a large cylindrical building with an alternating pattern of concrete blocks and square coloured-glass panels that let in light. I has a green, conical roof.

Humanist Society contributes to new Faith and Belief Engagement Strategy

March 21, 2023

Humanist Society Scotland was delighted to contribute to Scottish Government’s new Faith and Belief Engagement Strategy, which launches today. The strategy offers a newly accurate understanding of faith and belief across Scotland. This will inform policy development. It’s also about…

The text "Foillseachadh Amsterdam 2022" ("The Amsterdam Declaration 2022") in white against a background image showing a canal-side scene in Amsterdam at night.

Humanist celebrant John Howieson on his Gaelic translation of the Amsterdam Declaration

March 14, 2023

Scotland is a multi-lingual nation, so it’s important that the principles of humanism are made available to Gaelic speakers and writers. That’s why we’re very grateful to HSS registered humanist celebrant John Howieson for translating the 2022 Amsterdam Declaration into…

Fraser Sutherland stands in a children's playground, behind the steps up to a slide. He looks down at the camera which is positioned quite low down. He is holding a white book. In the background is a row of houses and a blue sky with clouds.

Our CEO talks religion and politics in The Herald

March 7, 2023

Our CEO Fraser Sutherland spoke to Neil Mackay for a long read in the Sunday Herald on 5 March. They talked about the rising influence of religion on Scottish and global politics and possible impacts on our democracy and human…

A portrait shot of Lucy Grieve. She wears a black top, has shoulder length brown hair, and smiles at the camera.

Humanist Society Scotland interviews: Lucy Grieve, co-founder of Back Off Scotland, on fighting for safe access to abortion services

March 2, 2023

We spoke to Lucy Grieve, co-founder of women’s health rights movement Back Off Scotland, about campaigning for safe access to abortion services across Scotland. Health facilities offering abortion healthcare are routinely picketed by religious protestors who harass women on their…

Image Description: Angela Johnson (Humanist Society Scotland celebrant) standing at the podium in the chamber at the Scottish Parliament.

Time for reflection – humanist style

June 23, 2022

On World Humanist Day humanist celebrant Angela Johnson had the honour of conducting the daily Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament. Angela made a beautiful speech that looked back at the first lockdown, explained the importance of the arts…

Time for reflection – humanist style