Andy the Highland Humanist

15/12/2025

MACDONALD
Peacefully at home on 9th December 2025, Ronnie MacDonald, aged 71 years, Fortrose. A much loved dad, grandad, brother and friend. Funeral Ceremony on Monday 22nd December at 11am in the Funeral Home of John Fraser & Son, Chapel Street, Inverness. All welcome to attend. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Ronnie for Black Isle Cares may be given at the ceremony. Car parking available at the Funeral Home.
(Shared at his family's request)

11/11/2025

🥂 Ellie & Pete 🥂

I’m not crying, you are!

Pete and Ellie wanted to make sure the boys were involved in their ceremony, and as a Humanist Celebrant I am there to make that happen.

A Unity Sand Ceremony is a perfect way to include family members and even friends, where coloured sand is blended together, just as hearts lives and families are blended together in marriage.

I also wanted to capture the essence of our couple and gifted them towards a cocktail and Quaich Ceremony (Unity Cocktail ceremony), where a French Martini was blended, the Ingredients of this cocktail on their own all beautiful in their own way, just as a bride and groom are. But when brought together, like in marriage, create something with depth and balance. (Our brides table plan was all cocktails and the top table was… French Martini.)

You really can have your day, your way. So don’t delay get in touch Today. 💜💛💜

06/10/2025

💕 Becky & Mike

✈️ On their trip of a lifetime, with close friends, Becky decided to surprise Mike.

🪢 Arranging everything whilst on their journey through the Scottish highlands. With a tartan hand-fasting and a shared dram from the Quaich! Not to mention a Scottish toast with a pinch of Gaelic!

🤝 They renewed their vows after 25 Years together, making promises to stand by each other, through richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health for the next 25 years and more!

💛This all took place thanks to who couldn’t have done more to help us accommodate this surprise vow renewal! Their team went over and above to accommodate this special, and romantic request!

💜Perhaps you have been thinking about renewing your vows? Be it up a mountain, on a boat or at your favourite restaurant.

📧 Get in touch and let’s personalise your ceremony. After all it’s your day, so let’s do it your way.

06/10/2025

📖 And just like that my diary is now full for 2025!

🗓️ Still have a number of dates left in 2026/2027.

☎️ Don’t delay

25/09/2025

🥂✨ The Recipe for the Perfect Wedding ✨🥂

As a celebrant, I’m often asked what makes a wedding truly special.

👨‍🍳 And I’m peased to share I’ve found the perfect recipe:

Ingredients:
2️⃣2 people who are wildly, unapologetically in love 💕
🤝 A handful of family and friends (or none at all – love doesn’t need an audience!)
✨ A sprinkle of laughter, sometimes tears
🥄 A pinch of nerves, stirred gently into excitement
💭 Generous spoonfuls of personal stories and promises
🎶 A splash of music, poetry, or anything that makes your hearts sing, even if it is just each other 🎶

Method:
Gather in a place that feels right – be it a lochside, a mountaintop, or your own back garden.
Mix together truth and tenderness until vows rise beautifully.
Add traditions that matter to you, and leave out the ones that don’t.

Share with those who nourish your soul.
Serve with joy, kindness, and maybe a wee dram 🥃

There’s no single formula, but when the main ingredient is love, (and the correct celebrant of course 🙋🏼‍♂️) the result is always perfect.
💛 Here’s to all the couples writing their own recipe.

— Andy, The Highland Humanist

22/09/2025

😊Great News!

Pleased to see planning permission granted for the £1.2m upgrade of Inverness Crematorium.

This isn’t just about new equipment — it’s about dignity, sustainability, and care for our community. Cleaner, greener cremators, more burial space, and reliable service for families when they need it most.

A meaningful step for the Highlands. 🌿

The £1.2 million pound upgrade of the Highlands' crematorium to ensure it's fit for purpose into the future has cleared a major hurdle after securing planning permission.

Read more in the comments below...

14/09/2025

✨ What a fantastic day at the Drumossie Hotel Wedding Fayre! ✨

It was brilliant to meet so many excited couples — my wee stall was buzzing all day with enquiries, some even as far ahead as 2028! 🥂💍

Now, you might be wondering… why the cocktail shaker on my table? 🍸

That’s my modern twist on a traditional favourite — the Cocktail & Quaich Ceremony.

Here’s how it works:
💡 You choose who helps you mix your cocktail — maybe the friend who introduced you, or a family member from each side.
💡 I give it a shake, because just like those ingredients, marriage blends together different strengths, flavours, and personalities into something unique.
💡 The finished drink is poured into the quaich, where the traditional words of love, trust, and unity seal the moment beautifully.

It’s fun, it’s meaningful, and it’s 100% you. ❤️

12/09/2025

🌿 Saying Goodbye 🌿

Saying goodbye is a tender moment in time. It gives us space to pause, to remember, and to hold close the love we carry for the person who has left us.

Every life has its own story, and every farewell should reflect that story with honesty and warmth. Sometimes it’s quiet and simple, sometimes filled with music and memories — always shaped by the love shared.

As a humanist celebrant, my role is to listen, to understand, and to help families create a ceremony that feels true to the person they’re saying goodbye to. A farewell cannot take away the pain of loss, but it can bring comfort in knowing their life was honoured with care.

Even after someone has gone, they continue to live on — in our memories, in the stories we share, and in the love that shapes us. Every laugh recalled, every lesson remembered, every story told keeps them present in our hearts.

10/09/2025

05/09/2025

I really do get to work with the most amazing people.

Thank you to Nicole and Owen for sending this lovely message after their ceremony.

“Hi Andy,

Thank you so so much for marrying Owen and I! You were amazing to work with and the script was just perfect! You were so relaxed throughout the whole planning!!

Have had a few people ask who our celebrant was, so have passed on your details I hope this is okay!!

Nicole & Owen x”

28/08/2025