I became a Humanist Society of Scotland Celebrant in 2005 and have thoroughly enjoyed this work ever since.
I began as a funeral celebrant and was qualified to conduct Humanist weddings soon afterwards. Conducting funerals gives me the opportunity to learn all about other peoples' lives and hear many fascinating and inspiring stories whilst helping the family create a fitting and personal send off for their loved one.
Weddings are of course very happy occasions and it is wonderful to be part of such a special and important day. I see my job as a celebrant to represent the people at the heart of the ceremony. This makes every wedding unique and I greatly enjoy the variety of the ceremonies I conduct.
My approach to weddings is to help the couple with the content of the ceremony as much as I am needed whilst encouraging them to include their own ideas. The aim is to create a ceremony you will feel completely comfortable with and really enjoy. One of the aspects of Humanist weddings I love the most is that your friends and family truly feel part of it. I make it very clear in the ceremony that they play an important part by being there to witness the promises of commitment you will make. The Humanist approach to weddings certainly results in lots of happy faces and is the loveliest way to begin your wedding day.
I also conduct naming and same sex partnership ceremonies. My hope is that Humanist celebrants will soon be able to conduct legal weddings for same sex couples.
Over the years I have also been the Media Officer, Magazine Editor and Convenor of the Humanist Society of Scotland.
When I'm not conducting ceremonies I work as a freelance writer and run my own business. I live in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh with my Yorkshireman, Nev.
