We would like to thank everyone who joined us last night at our launch party, for making the evening so very special and positive. The three of us left the lovely venue (thank you, Timberbush!) feeling abuzz with optimism and excitement about what the future holds for Agnostic Scotland, and so appreciate the warm reception you all offered.

Celebrants, photographers, and wedding suppliers came to support us along with interested community members and of course our wonderful friends and family. We are grateful to you all!

Our fabulous Chair, Linda Keys, kick-started the evening with a speech about the background and goals of Agnostic Scotland. Our desire to bring people together through our Community Connection Gatherings, to bolster our Community Fund and bring beautiful, person-centred and affordable ceremonies to those who would otherwise struggle to pay for them. Our plans to broaden the diversity of Agnostic Scotland and to build steering group of people, recruited based on merit, knowledge and skills, to ensure we reach all communities. And our vision to creating opportunities for more celebrants around Scotland to work with us as we broaden the reach of Agnostic Scotland.

Onie Tibbitt spoke about Agnosticism and what it means to admit that we don’t know everything, and that we are never likely to know everything. And how, in doing so as celebrants, we are able to be more respectful, more open minded and more accepting of the complex myriad of beliefs – or doubts – held by individuals, couples and families when it comes to the planning of their shared ceremonies.

Andrea Taylor lead the gathering through a beautiful ritual based on the ancient tradition of Clootie Trees, or Tree Dressing, and invited everyone attending to soak their ‘cloot’ (or natural cloth) into the seawater provided then tie it to the apple tree whilst making a wish, sending a merit or thought, of setting an intention, for themselves, for someone they love or for the wider world.

Lesley, who kindly agreed to sing at the launch, wowed everyone with an exquisite rendition of ‘Freedom Come All Ye’ – a song that we feel embodies our desire to work in respectful harmony and collaboration with all people.

Onie’s daughter pulled the name of the lucky winner of the free Agnostic Scotland Ceremony out of the hat and we were delighted to inform Claire Ritchie today that she can choose a ceremony of her choice during 2020.

Moving forward now, we are so excited to begin the process of reflecting on the positive energy of our launch and developing Agnostic Scotland in heart-centred ways to achieve the goals we have envisioned. And we are so excited to work with you along the way. Thank you again for being in touch, being so supportive and interested in Agnostic Scotland. See you all soon!