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Douglas Gilgallon

Douglas Gilgallon, Celebrant

Douglas’s passion in life has always been people. At the age of 16 he turned his back on a promising apprenticeship with an American Engine company because he realised he wanted to work with people and not machines. Over the past 25 years Douglas has had a career in Social Work, where he worked extensively within the Glasgow homeless scene, and in the last 10 years with adults with disabilities.

Douglas brings with him a quarter of a century worth of service to people. Over that time, he has honed his interpersonal skills, and his empathy, warmth and compassion are the driving force behind his desire to serve others.

Douglas lives in Glasgow with his wife Pauline. They have been married for 27 years and have 3 daughters and three rescue dogs.

In his spare time Douglas is an avid Munro Bagger and has climbed over 40 Munro’s to date. If ever you needed a guide or advice on some great Scottish Mountains for that special ceremony, he is your guy.

Douglas is also a keen guitarist and learned long ago just how much music moves people. He is always being asked to bring his guitar to parties as it’s a fantastic way to bring people together.

Douglas first attended a humanist funeral service in 2004 and it completely opened his eyes as to what was possible in terms of saying a farewell to a loved one. He loved the idea that a service existed where the focus was based around honouring the memory and the life of the individual.

Douglas has always had a talent for writing, and is the go-to person amongst his family and friends whenever a heartfelt letter or special words are required for a unique occasion. This combined with his 25 years’ experience capturing information for clients, and formulating provision and support based around that information, means Douglas is more than able to help you capture the story that you want told at your ceremony. Be it a marriage ceremony, a civil partnership, a renewal of vows, a baby naming ceremony, or helping with the difficult task of saying goodbye to a loved one, he can help by creating something special and memorable for you.

Douglas is based in Glasgow and conducts ceremonies in Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders and Stirlingshire

You can contact Douglas on douglasgilgallon@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Douglas on Facebook , Instagram and Tik Tok

Allan Kidd

Allan Kidd, Celebrant

‘It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to help any family whether it’s to conduct their marriage or arrange and support them through a funeral ceremony.’

Having worked as a funeral celebrant for some time, it was a natural succession to go forward and marry people too, initially inspired by Anne Widdop the founder of Fuze when she conducted two funerals within the family Allan decided to use his public speaking skills and interest in helping people when they are at their most vulnerable.

After a career within the social care industry for 20 years Allan decided to change his focus and now works within a large company within the brewing industry and manages some of their contact centre services. Allan also loves to meet and develop relationships with the people he is working with as he believes that’s when you get the best out of them.

Allan has been married to his wife Vicky for over 12 years and has a step son and twin girls, when he is not working he loves to spend time on family days out and spending time making memories.

Always open to new ideas and with a passion for inclusion and diversity Allan, whilst always able to give advice, will also incorporate all your ideas for you to have a very unique and memorable time.

Allan is based in West Lothian and covers Ayrshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders and Stirlingshire.

You can contact Allan on allankidd@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Allan on Facebook and Instagram

Alex Paton

Alex Paton, Celebrant

Alex is available to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

Alex is based in Glasgow and covers Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & Lothian, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders & Stirlingshire.

Alex is the people’s person; the person you want to be by your side, whether it would be in sadness for support; or in happiness for laughter. Therefore, it was a natural career step in becoming a celebrant with Fuze ceremonies.

Alex says being a humanist celebrant will continue to allow him to meet amazing people, hear amazing stories of their life and help people make or relive memories. Alex believes making people happy is the greatest gift you can give someone.

No ceremony should be the same. It is that person’s special day and with the ability to listen to every special detail in the person’s life, Alex will create that memorable day.

Much of his career has been bringing memories of happiness, joy, fun and laughter to people. From organising major music events to DJing in all over the world. A known DJ in the Northern Soul, Indie, Punk, SKA music and the Scooter Scene.

His personality and appearance are one you will love from start. A modern look that everyone will talk about. In his spare time he is a big fitness fanatic, from core fitness to walking and running.

He lives with his wife and his dog Elvis and shares every activity in his life with them. He is also a big supporter of Cancer Research UK and other charities, which he has helped to raise much needed money over the years.

You can contact Alex on alexpaton@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Alex on Facebook & Instagram

John Tonner

John Tonner, Celebrant

John is available to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

As a former soldier and police officer, John has dedicated his life to helping others. John also plays a role in helping young adults aged 12 – 18 yrs choose a path of self-belief and community spirit through work with the Army Cadet Force. As a Director with two businesses dedicated to reducing unemployment and poverty, John loves to be involved in community based projects, where he uses presentation skills to deliver training, coaching and mentoring to those struggling.

John began to take an interest in Humanism after attending a number of weddings and found great satisfaction when he too was married in a Humanist ceremony. He remembers it as a very special and beautiful occasion and he saw first-hand what a difference it makes to have a personalised ceremony for such an important celebration.

John realised he had already developed many of the skills needed and with a willingness to help others pursued his goal to become a celebrant himself. With community values at heart, John chose Fuze because of the foundations it was started from and he wanted to be a part of what it delivers for those in need.

John believes in the Humanist values, and feels couples today are deeply committed to having a ceremony which reflects them as people. He enjoys meeting people, hearing stories of their journey together, and it gives him great pleasure creating a ceremony which is personal to them and which they and their guests will remember long after the event.

John understands that it is an honour and a privilege to be able to help bereaved families and friends plan funerals for their loved ones. He knows that a Humanist ceremony allows deep sensitivity to their wishes and that the tribute does justice to the person and the life that has been.

Many parents today wish to gather their friends and family together to celebrate the naming of their baby. It is a joy to be part of this special welcoming day and John wants to be able to help parents and those chosen as guides and mentors to show their love and gratitude for the gift of having a child.

John looks forward to helping you plan a memorable, unique and personal ceremony that reflects who you are, your passions, your wishes and your journey.

John is based in West Lothian and covers Ayrshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Glasgow City & East/West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus and Stirlingshire.

You can contact John on johntonner@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of John on FacebookInstagram and Tik Tok

Joanne Caird

Joanne Caird, Celebrant

Joanne decided to undertake the training to become a celebrant as it feels like a true calling to her. Being an optimistic, approachable woman who loves to meet new people, she feels this is a role that will always bring her great joy. Joanne has always enjoyed writing and put’s her skills and training to great use, letting her creative juices flow!

Based in Glenrothes, Fife, Joanne is an out-going, passionate, and warm-hearted individual who can always be found wearing a smile on her face. She loves all things organization. Joanne has worked in elderly care for several years and has been lucky enough to see first-hand life-long partners who have grown old together, whose love has never faded. To be there at the beginning of a couple’s journey as a married couple is something Joanne finds very rewarding.

Joanne is a very adventurous individual who is not afraid to try new experiences and think outside of the box. She understands that each couple is unique and aims to ensure each couple’s personality shines through on their special day. One of Joanne’s main objectives is to turn a couple’s pre-wedding butterflies into wedding day bliss, joy, laughter, and love.

Joanne is based in Fife and covers Perthshire, Fife & Angus

You can contact Joanne on joannecaird@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Joanne on Facebook and Instagram

Claire Wilson Millar

Claire Wilson Millar, Celebrant

Claire is available to conduct Wedding, Civil Partnership, and Vow Renewal ceremonies across Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus and Stirlingshire

Her background is in people development, helping individuals be the best versions of themselves and creating moments that matter. She has had the pleasure of working and travelling across all corners of this wonderful planet - meeting incredible people, sharing stories and learning in return.

Being a celebrant enables Claire to combine her curiosity of people and their story with her creative flare and caring nature. She also believes that anything is possible.

So whether you want to have your ceremony indoors, outdoors, up a hill or underground, she will work with you to create a ceremony that reflects who you are and how you want to express your love. She wants to hear about what makes you happy, what your adventures have been as a couple and what has brought you to this stage in your relationship. She firmly believes that no matter what your journey as a couple, it is a one of a kind love story and she is eager to tell the tale.

If you know exactly what you want, she’ll make it happen. If you want some more guidance and inspiration, Claire will bring plenty. Her goal is to make you feel at ease, and to help make the ceremony the very best part of the day. One which you and your guests will look back on and remember love, laughter, fun, warmth and joy.

Please feel free to get in touch if you want a chat before booking.

You can contact Claire on clairewilsonmillar@fuzeceremonies.co.uk

Simon Houston

Simon Houston, Celebrant

Simon is available to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals, Baby Naming & Funeral Ceremonies.

Simon lives in Glasgow, has been married 25 years and has three wonderful children and a gorgeous Pug called Rita. He is a writer, public speaker, part-time stand-up comedian and co-host of the Let Me Be Frank Podcast, who is delighted to combine his many life skills to become a Humanist Celebrant. His career as a journalist has seen him work as a news correspondent and features writer all over the world. He got himself into the occasional hair-raising scrape while working as a war reporter in the Balkans and Middle East - and if you have a spare three hours, he'll happily tell you all about it!

A natural-born storyteller, he brings a wealth of experience to his new role with Fuze Ceremonies. Simon is a people person and a listener. He loves interviewing real people and hearing all about their own unique and interesting journeys - before bringing those stories to life, capturing the serious, the fascinating and the fun. He has become a skilled obituary writer who prides himself on his compassion, empathy and attention to detail.

Recently, he turned his hand to stand-up comedy and has performed in clubs around Scotland while also making his debut at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe.

Having attended a number of Humanist weddings and funerals in recent years, he found himself magnetically drawn to the role of a Celebrant and looks forward to implementing his writing and speaking skills to deliver memorable ceremonies.

You can contact Simon on simonhouston@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Simon on FacebookInstagram and Tik Tok

Julie Murray

Julie Murray, Celebrant

Julie lives with her two teenagers and her gorgeous wee dog, Milo. There is never a dull moment! Julie lives in beautiful Broughty Ferry, where every day walking near the water, feels like you are on holiday.

Julie has always loved working in roles she believes in and where she feels she can make a difference. Her background is over 20 years as a Speech and Language Therapist, working with children and young people with autism and their families. More recently, she has been working to help people achieve their weight loss and wellness goals.

When she is not working, Julie loves going out for walks with her wee dog, building up her running … well, jogging! She loves crafting when she has time and getting creative. She also loves chilling in the house, watching a good movie.

Becoming a Celebrant combines Julie's love of helping people with her need to make a difference, providing ceremonies that are personal, meaningful, and tailored to each individual’s needs. She first became interested when she attended a lovely Humanist wedding ceremony some time ago.

Julie will bring warmth, compassion, empathy, and fun. She will be there to guide you and listen to how you want your special occasion to be.

You can contact Julie on juliemurray@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Julie on FacebookInstagram and Tik Tok

Sam Conroy

Sam Conroy, Celebrant

“My passion is to help others create little pieces of happiness too, both in celebrating love and celebrating life.”

What's the secret to happiness? You can find it in nature, in family, in shared history, and maybe, just maybe, you can find it here. J.M Barrie - creator of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and a thousand magical memories, said it best: 'Not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do, is the secret to happiness'

Sam's passion is to help others create little pieces of happiness too, both in celebrating love and celebrating life.

Sam is a humanist celebrant with a romantic soul, a storyteller’s spark, and a deep love for words. Sam will write and deliver ceremonies that are as unique as the people they celebrate, bespoke, magical, full of heart and authentically you. Whether it’s a wedding, vow renewal or celebration, Sam brings together laughter and love, tradition, mischief, poetry (if you want it!) and personality, lots of personality! Because your story deserves more than a script, it deserves to be felt, remembered, and joyfully told.

Sam will get to know you as a couple, your quirks, your journey, your little inside jokes and shared dreams. She will support you every step of the way, bringing fun and full-hearted energy, while keeping things relaxed yet perfectly on time. She'll calm nerves with just the right mix of humour and wise words, and she’ll get ridiculously excited with you as the big day approaches. And when it does finally arrive, Sam will be there with a steady hand, a warm smile, a personality packed ceremony, and the privilege of marrying you in a way that feels truly, wonderfully, magically you.

So while Sam doesn’t live in Neverland, rather the heart of beautiful Scotland, Mr Barrie was right. Sam don't just like what she does, she loves it and cannot wait to connect with you to plan a ceremony, a beautifully light hearted and bespoke personal ceremony, that you will treasure and remember for an entire lifetime, for all the right reasons.

Sam is based in Cumbernauld and covers Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Renfrewshire & Renfrewshire, Edinburgh & Lothian, Glasgow City & East /West Dunbartonshire, Inverness-shire, North & South Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Fife & Angus, Scottish Borders and Stirlingshire

You can contact Sam on samanthaconroy@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Sam on Facebook , Instagram and Tik Tok

Fiona McKenzie

Fiona McKenzie

Fiona is available to conduct Weddings, Civil Partnerships, Vow Renewals & Funeral Ceremonies.

Fiona would describe herself as a people person and a natural networker! She eludes warmth and has a wicked sense of humour. During her early career, she was a nurse and has spent the last 18 years working in the marketing, communications and creative industries. Story-telling, bringing people together, and creating meaningful memories is what Fiona really loves. People might not remember what you did for them but they’ll remember how you made them feel is something Fiona really believes

Fiona’s curiosity and energy know no bounds, especially when it comes to people. Fiona is like a human detective, fascinated by the quirks and stories that make each person unique. She has a knack for remembering details that even your granny would forget!.

Fiona firmly believes that joy can be found in the tiniest treasures, like the perfect cup of tea or watching the dog snooze after a long walk on the beach. And that’s where you’ll find Fiona on most days – out and about with her dog Nellie (and teenager Noah if she can force him!) walking the beaches on the Angus and Fife coasts. There's something magical about the sea breeze and the sound of waves that makes Fiona's heart do a happy dance.

Fiona is based in Carnoustie and covers Perthshire, Fife & Angus.

You can contact Fiona on fionamckenzie@fuzeceremonies.co.uk or you can see more of Fiona on Facebook and Instagram