Celebrant Profile – Humanist Society Scotland Portal

Celebrant profile:

Ailie Macleod

Ceremonies performed: Weddings, Naming Ceremonies, Funerals

Hey there, thanks for stopping by!

I’m Ailie — celebrant, beach walker, hill climber, and all-round people person. I’ve been doing this amazing job for 9 years now, and honestly? Best. Job. Ever.

I work with a small number of couples each year because I believe your ceremony should be as unique as your Netflix recommendations. No cookie-cutter scripts here — just a celebration that actually feels like you.

When I’m not crafting ceremonies, I’m out living my best life and ticking things off my bucket list (some more ridiculous than others — ask me later).

Now the awkward bit — writing about yourself without sounding like you’re pitching for a reality show… here goes:

✔️ I’m married
✔️ I’ve got a grown-up son living in Edinburgh
✔️ I live in Nairn (yes, the beach is as dreamy as it sounds)
✔️ I spent 35 years teaching in schools and colleges — so wrangling nerves, emotions, and the occasional chaos? I’ve got that covered.

When I left teaching, I knew I still wanted to work with people — to help celebrate all the real, messy, magical moments life throws at us. As a Humanist celebrant, I get to do just that. And with 58% of Scots identifying as non-religious, it just makes sense to create ceremonies that reflect your values, not someone else’s rulebook.

I’ve been called “calming” more times than I can count (who knew?) — but I’ll take it. I’m friendly, organised, and totally here for making your celebration feel true to you. Whether it’s a wedding, a naming ceremony, or something in between — we’ll make it unforgettable (for all the right reasons).

Oh, and if you're wondering — yes, I do walk my dog on Nairn beach every day. And yes, she’s definitely the boss of me.

Come say hi on Facebook: Humanist Ceremonies by Ailie MacLeod — and let’s start planning something amazing.

Check My Availability

Busy Limited Available

Wedding & Civil Partnership Ceremonies

Let's get married! You will find me warm and friendly and every bit as enthusiastic about your wedding as you both are.

As a Humanist celebrant I will enjoy working alongside you to create your very personal wedding ceremony. I will listen to what you want for your wedding day, gently guiding you though the legal requirements. Of course I will also give you suggestions and choices as we write your wedding ceremony together.

You will find me positive and upbeat, professional but not stuffy. I love being there for the important events in people's lives to help, support and celebrate.

My home is in the seaside town of Nairn . I share it with my husband, our son and our mad Labrador. I am also willing to travel to marry you.

I worked as PE teacher and love to sail and hill walk and I am always up for an adventure. So if you want married in the great outdoors in various locations. You will find me eager to make your vision a reality.

I also love ceremonies in traditional venues, which we are lucky to have many of in the Highlands. Large castle-like venues to small, intimate country village halls and inns. All in amazing locations.

Looking forward to meeting you and hearing about the venue you have chosen for your wedding day.

Naming & Welcoming Ceremonies

Let’s celebrate life, the one life we have. I will help lead a ceremony for your child and family that is in keeping with your thoughts and wishes. Whether that family is the result of a long awaited arrival of a baby, an adoption or two families joining as one. Let’s make that moment count.
As a celebrant I will help you with all kinds of suggestions for the content and structure of your day. It will be your choice and I will happily deliver what suits you and your loved ones.

Funeral Ceremonies

Let me help you create a personal, loving and fitting tribute for your loved one. I will visit you at your home and along with anyone else you want to be there, we will talk about what you want to say. I will lead you through the process and on leaving your home will have a clear understanding of the personality and character of the person you so cared about.

Then I will write a fitting tribute . You will see the draft and together we can make changes if necessary. Together we will honour your loved one in a personal and unique way.