Reason and Science Archives - Humanist Society Scotland

Dorrit Pritchard speaking in front of a whiteboard. She wears a patterned blouse and has brown/red hair. She makes a point with outstretched hands.

To believe or not to believe? A humanist organiser’s perspective

Our movement is powered by our volunteers, people with a secular worldview who want to make a positive change in their communities. In this guest article, Dorrit Pritchard, Convenor of Glasgow Humanists, shares her perspectives on humanism. To believe or…

Elena Whitham MSP presents on assisted dying at our Festival of Humanism, with speaker Joanne Easton looking on.

Looking back on Festival of Humanism 2024

What a day! At our sold-out Festival of Humanism in Glasgow we heard from expert speakers on topics ranging from assisted dying to AI. There were tears, laughter, anger, and hope, as we explored the big issues facing our movement…

Humanists on a march, holding up a large banner that reads "Humanists Society Scotland" and a placard that reads "Humanists against Hate."

New census figures show majority of Scots are non-religious for the first time

New figures show that a majority of Scots are non-religious for the first time. This calls into question the privileged place of religion in certain public services such as education. Figures released today by the National Records of Scotland show…

A portrait engraving of Frances Wright by John Chester Buttre. The image shows her with medium length curly hair, puffy sleeves and a waistcoat tucked into a belt tied tightly at her waist. She leans on a desk to her left and rests her face on her left hand.

Remembering Frances Wright on International Women’s Day

As we celebrate the cultural and political achievements of women around the world, here’s an introduction to the remarkable life and complex legacy of Fanny Wright, Scottish pioneer of feminism, anti-slavery, and secular thought. Who was Frances Wright? The Dundee-born…

A black and white photo of seven women in academic gowns and mortarboards posing on the steps of a building.

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, here’s to the Edinburgh Seven

We explore the lives of seven pioneering medical students who shaped the course of scientific history and women’s rights. International Day of Women and Girls in Science is about recognising the achievements of women and girls across all fields of…

Portrait photo of Tony who wears an aviator jacket and adjusts a brimmed hat (perhaps a panama or fedora type hat, with a feather in the band) while smiling at the camera. He wears glasses and a snood.

Humanist Society interview series: board member Tony Khan on claiming asylum and finding strength in adversity

In the latest instalment in our interview series, our new board member Tony Khan tells us about his experiences of seeking asylum in the UK, homelessness, and embracing humanism. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?…

A selfie of Jennifer infront of a sunlit bay on the Scottish coast. She has blonde hair tied in a bun above her head and smiles at the camera.

Humanist Society interview series: Meet our new chair, Jennifer Buchan

Last year we welcomed a new Chair of Humanist Society Scotland, Jennifer Buchan. Jennifer is a registered Humanist Society celebrant and chaplain and has been involved with humanism for many decades. In this interview she tells us about her journey…

A winding road running down a steep mountain side in dramatic loops, with ragged rocks rising up to the right of the image and a beautiful cloudy sunset in the sky above. Infront of the sky text reads "Where Next?"

The year ahead for humanism in Scotland

2024 looks set to be a busy and perhaps defining year for the humanist movement in Scotland. Here’s a rundown of the issues we’ll be working on and the gains we hope to make, from assisted dying to reproductive rights….

The year ahead for humanism in Scotland

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 interview series: Gemma Clark, abortion rights campaigner

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…

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

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…

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

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…