A special inclusive service of remembrance is being held later this week for individuals of all faith and those who are non-religious.

Remembrance services being held across the country this month will be conducted as part of Christian religious events, but with the majority of Scotland’s population now reporting themselves as non-religious the Humanist Society are offering inclusive services for those of any worldview.

The event held at the Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium alongside the Humanist Society Scotland recognises that not everyone has religious beliefs but wish to mark remembrance week. The service will take place on Saturday 9th November at 11am.

The service is open to all, regardless of faith and beliefs and backgrounds, and is being led by Jennifer Buchan, Humanist Chaplin from the University of Strathclyde.

The service will include flag bearers from local organisations, representatives from the emergency services, a piper, stories, visual images, music and a moment of silence for those that have fallen, and for those affected by conflict.

Poppy wreaths will be laid at the glass-walled window in the beautiful Ceremony Hall, looking over the natural landscape towards Arran and small poppies may be placed in the Sleeping Warrior Garden of Remembrance to remember loved ones.

Jennifer Buchan, Humanist Celebrant

Philip Ewing, manager of the Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium, said: “We hope that our inclusive Service of Remembrance will help everyone, no matter what their beliefs or faith, to come together to commemorate and remember their family, friends and comrades in a beautiful, inspiring and fitting location.”

Jennifer Buchan, Humanist Chaplain of the University of Strathclyde said: “People of many different faiths and those with no religious beliefs have been equally affected by the impact of conflict both in active service and as civilians. This service is open to everyone in the local community to come together to remember and reflect.”

Representatives of Humanist Society Scotland will also take part in 13 wreath-laying ceremonies at numerous Remembrance Sunday events across the country. This marks the biggest representation of Humanists involved in remembrance events to date.
Glasgow – Craig Campbell
Edinburgh – Robbie Sharpe
Aberdeen – Vanessa Smith
Dundee – Sarah Morrison
Inverness – Alastair Colquhoun & Penelope Hamilton
Ayr – Karen McLaughlin
Dumfries – Lindsey Mason Ross
Arbroath – Brenda Reid
Hawick – Jane Keir
Wick – Linda Smith
Monifieth – Gary Smith
Doune – Mary Wallace
Latheron – Angus Mackay