Every now and then, you cross paths with people who are meant to be in your life. I feel this way about my two fellow Agnostic Scotland founders, Linda Keys and Andrea Taylor. I’d love to introduce them to you.
I first met Linda when she was expecting her eldest child and she attended a birth workshop I was running at KnotStressed Therapies. Linda is remarkable. She’s someone you remember – even years after a fleeting meeting. You can spend time with her for such a short time and feel like you’ve known her forever. I have already learnt an enormous amount from Linda in the year that we have been planning Agnostic Scotland. She is principled, generous, kind, confident and one of those rare people in life who brings out the best in everyone. I am more excited than I can say to see how our plans unfold and to be working with Linda on this journey.
Over the years in my work supporting families through pregnancy and chilbirth, I have heard Andrea’s name again and again. She is a wonderful and inspiring midwife, birth educator, yoga teacher and all-round-creative genius. From my first cup of tea in Andrea’s gorgeously decorated, plant-filled home it was obvious to me that we share a similar ethos in our approach and values. She is calm, heart-centred, wise, thoughtful and funny. Andrea has recently embarked on her journey as a Celebrant – although really she has been honouring life transitions for years, both in her own life and the lives of those around her. I feel deeply honoured to be working alongside her at Agnostic Scotland.
On 28th November 2019, after a year of planning, Linda, Andrea and I officially launched Agnostic Scotland, a not-for-profit organisation offering Wedding, Naming, Funeral and other Life-Transition Ceremonies. All three of us firmly believe that families should be able to decide how and where they choose to mark the momentous occasions in their lives, however big or small, religious or secular, traditional or unconventional. We are now able to offer these beautiful, people-centred ceremonies, including legally recognised Wedding Ceremonies, through Agnostic Scotland. It feels great as a celebrant to say “Yes! Let’s do what you want to do… it is your ceremony!”
I am so proud of what we have already achieved and can’t wait to develop our plans to provide affordable ceremonies across Scotland through our Agnostic Scotland Community Fund, to bring communities together through our donations-based Community Connection Gatherings, and to launch our Celebrant Training Programme and establish a network of fabulous, principled Agnostic Scotland Celebrants across the country. Watch this space!
We’ve been blown away by the positive reception to Agnostic Scotland, from interested individuals to clients and celebrants. Our Launch Ceremony on 28th November was a joyful, community-spirited event and we were delighted to welcome many friends, clients, fellow celebrants, photographers, wedding suppliers, councillors and funeral directors to the event. Thank you to all those who joined us. For those who missed it, feel free to have a read of our Launch Ceremony speeches on the Agnostic Scotland blog.
Linda, Andrea and I look forward to being in touch with you. Thank you so much for your interest and your support.
Photos by Laura Kate McLean – thanks so much! And thanks also to all the incredible people who volunteered their time and help on the launch night. We are so grateful! ❤️🌿