With only one week to go until the first same-sex marriages take place, the Humanist Society Scotland would like to take the opportunity to wish all couples celebrating their love the very best for the future.

As Chair of the Society, I would also like to extend my personal apologies to anyone who may have felt let down over the past week. Some of the views expressed were out of keeping with the principles of humanism and with the views of the Humanist Society Scotland, and they should not be taken to represent the Society. The language and tone were unhelpful and hurtful, and for this I must apologise.

Furthermore, I would like to make clear that prior to the publication of an article in the Scotsman last Thursday, contact was made with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Patrick Harvie MSP and it was clarified that no criticism of either was ever intended by any representative of the Society. It is deeply regrettable that not enough care was taken in conveying this to the press.

For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to apologise to both Ms Sturgeon and Mr Harvie for any misunderstandings that may have arisen.

Clearly the Society and its representatives must do better to communicate, maintaining a diplomatic tone at all times, but especially in those times of some difficulty or disagreement. It is my intention to ensure that this is the case going forward.

I’d once again like to take the opportunity to wish the best of luck to all couples to be married on Hogmanay, and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Ian Scott

Chair