Hi and thanks for looking at my profile. I live in Edinburgh and have recently retired after a wonderful and rewarding working life in education. This included secondary teaching, international development and for the... last twenty years, the higher education sector where I specialised in widening participation. I believe everyone should have an equal opportunity in life regardless of their background.

It is an absolute privilege to be a humanist celebrant to work with and support families at life changing stages in their lives. I now realise I first became a humanist as a young child; but didn’t know it at the time!

It is important to me that my work as a celebrant is carried out in the wider context of belonging to Humanist Society Scotland who believe in shared human values, respect for human rights, and concern for future generations. We work together to promote a positive vision for a secular Scotland where all people are treated equally. Humanist ceremonies are a real celebration of life; of lives lived, new lives and lives together.  I will work closely with you to ensure your ceremony is unique and meaningful to you and your families.

Wedding & Civil Partnership Ceremonies

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! It would be a pleasure and privilege for me to help plan your ceremony with you so that it is the most special of days for both of you. I am happy to meet you as soon as you h...ave a date in the diary for an informal chat, usually in my home. We can discuss your ideas and what options you have so we can craft a unique, relaxed, fun and inclusive ceremony together that is personal to both of you.

Once a booking is confirmed I will send you an information pack with useful details of the legal requirements and the various elements you can include. You can take your time to think about everything before we meet up again, usually a few months before the big day, to agree what you want to include, what form you would like your vows to take and if you wish to include any symbolic gestures for example. You will also have some ‘homework’ to do so you can share your story with me. I'll then write a draft of your ceremony which we will work on together via email until you are confident that you have the final ceremony that really suits you and reflects you as a couple.

Scotland is one of only a very few countries in the world where a humanist ceremony has equal legal status as religious and civil weddings. All HSS ceremonies are covered by our Ceremony Promise, meaning all celebrants are trained to the highest standard. We’re also fully insured, and with over 100 wedding celebrants across Scotland, if for some reason, I became unable to conduct your ceremony, we have a network of celebrants who can step in at short notice.

By choosing an HSS celebrant, you will also be contributing to the extensive charitable work and campaigning the Society supports, both through your membership, the donation I make to HSS.

Please note I conduct ceremonies mostly in Edinburgh and the Lothians; but I will sometimes travel further afield. Please drop me a line to discuss your requirements.

Naming & Welcoming Ceremonies

A naming ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of a new family member surrounded by family and friends.

I will work closely with you to organise a ceremony to suit you and which can be as info...rmal or as formal as you wish. It can be held wherever you want: perhaps at home, in the garden a nearby hall, hotel etc

A typical naming ceremony might include readings or poems, parental promises to your child, the appointment of ‘guideparents’ and perhaps a symbolic action such as planting a tree or lighting candles.

I will meet you in advance to discuss your plans, share ideas and agree a joyful and fun celebration. This may also include choosing 'guide parents' who will be special adults in your child's life. We will then agree the format and wording of a unique ceremony that is perfect for you and your child(ren). On the day I will conduct the ceremony which may include the signing of a certificate by you and the guide parents for you to keep as a memento to mark this special occasion.

Funeral Ceremonies

A Humanist funeral gives families the opportunity to celebrate the life of a loved one in a very personal way. Following a meeting with family and friends, I will work closely with you to create a unique and respectfu...l tribute, crafted from your own words, stories and memories. This will ensure that the final ceremony, music and readings we agree on together reflect your loved one’s life and character. Inevitably, there is sadness; but also the opportunity for smiles and laughter where appropriate. It is a real privilege to be able to support families through a challenging time in their lives and to officiate at the ceremony which is important in coming to terms with loss.

This message from a family member just made my day recently. It's what it's all about.....

‘Thank you for helping us today with my Dad's funeral, it was a very uplifting experience in what was an emotional day. It was lovely to hear the tribute you made from such a short time in our company last Monday. And I feel he would have been proud of today not being mournful but rather celebrating the life he lived and all he achieved.’

Contact

• 07866127552
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KathleenHumanistCelebrant/