Love, Compassion and Connection!
February is always associated with love as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. This February, the Fuze Foundation will take a deeper dive into the humanist value of compassion and connection, extending the focus beyond romantic relationships to all types of meaningful connections. This is especially fitting as we’ll be announcing our March 2025 to February 2026 charity partners on Valentine’s Day, so make a note in your diary to check our Facebook page that day.
Add in February the 17th with Random Acts of Kindness Day, this month beautifully encapsulates our Fuze Foundation’s core purposes perfectly.
Nicole Inspires the Next Generation at Kilsyth Academy’s Careers Day
Nicole Lowther, one of our fantastic Fuze celebrants, had the pleasure of returning to her old high school, Kilsyth Academy, to speak at their Careers Day. As the youngest Humanist Celebrant in Scotland, Nicole shared her journey of becoming a celebrant and provided valuable advice to students on selecting the right subjects and focusing on essential skills for future careers, including the role of a celebrant.
During her presentation, Nicole emphasised the importance of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity—values that are core to providing meaningful humanist ceremonies. Her goal was to inspire the next generation to consider a career that celebrates these principles, as well as to highlight the rewarding nature of working in a field that promotes connection and compassion.
It was a special moment for Nicole, returning to the school seven years after graduation, and she was thrilled to reconnect with students and staff alike. Thank you to Kilsyth Academy for welcoming Nicole back and providing her with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the students’ futures.
Don’t Forget The Legal Stuff!
Did you know the legal process of getting married is one of the most common questions our couples ask us? It’s an absolutely essential part of your day but don’t worry as your friendly Fuze Ceremonies celebrants, along with local registrars, will guide you every step of the way.
In this podcast episode, our podcast host and Fuze celebrant, Alan Edwards chats with fellow celebrants George Smith, Evelyn Robertson, and George McLean to break down everything you need to know about the legal stuff.
For extra guidance, check out these helpful resources:
National Records of Scotland: Getting Married in Scotland
Fuze Ceremonies Blog: Wedding Legal Stuff
Humanists Strive To Be Ethical!
This February, as we embrace the humanist values of fostering love, compassion, and connection in everything we do, it allows us time to also reflect on the Amsterdam Declaration of Humanism.
Humanism champions values such as respect for human dignity, a sense of community, and care for others. Principles that inspire us to build stronger, more compassionate connections in our everyday lives. Love, in its broadest sense, becomes a powerful force for unity, understanding, and kindness.
Join us in spreading kindness and care this AND EVERY month!
Our Kelpies Trio Take On The Challenge!
We’re excited to announce that three of our incredible celebrant team members – Nancy Braid, Nicole Lowther, and Zoe Bell-Arnot– are gearing up for an unforgettable adventure at The Kelpies Experience on 21st February 2025!
This unique challenge, organised in support of the Beatson Cancer Charity, one of our Fuze Foundation charity partners, will see them scaling the world’s largest equine sculptures. They’ll navigate cables, ladders, and suspended platforms to reach the iconic horses’ mouth. Along the way, they’ll explore the fascinating history behind these architectural marvels.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there – they’ll complete their climb with a free-hanging abseil or jaw-dropping Quick Flight rope drop!
Symbolic Gesture of the Month: Drinking From The Quaich!
Discover the beautiful tradition of Drinking From The Quaich, a ceremonial drinking vessel that symbolises unity, trust, and togetherness during weddings.
Incorporating the quaich into your ceremony is a meaningful way to celebrate your bond and honour Scotland’s rich heritage. The gesture is performed after the legal side of the ceremony has been completed with the couple sharing their first legal drink in marriage together.
Explore how this timeless ritual can add a heartfelt touch to your big day.
Behind The Folder With Christine Carruth!
In this months ‘Behind The Folder’ feature, we explore the person behind our Renfrewshire based celebrant Christine Carruth.
I live on a working farm with my husband Dave and my two teenage daughters. I grew up with a love or horses and dogs which continues to this day. My collie dog Clyde is my wee furry son. He is the only thing that looks up with love and devotion as I come through the door. Dave and I have been married twenty years. We met in Ayr on a night out where his line was “I have thighs like iron.” I could not stop laughing and haven’t stopped laughing since.
I graduated with a degree in Primary Education 30 years ago and have been teaching in the local area for a long, long time. It is lovely to have spent quality time with children and their families and see them grow up.
I used to be a champion debater in my youth and now train young people in the art of public speaking. I really believe that this will help them in any future profession that they choose. A great skill to have. But if you want to win an argument with me, you had better be prepared. I will have a go at any new crafting class that is going.
My own children and those I would work with would probably agree that I enjoy Christmas and Halloween far more than I should with dressing up being considered an absolute must.
I have a wide circle of friends, and I love nothing more than a girly weekend away talking nonsense, drinking nice wine and eating good food. I am a lucky lady to have such great friends. A belly laugh with my gals is one of life’s greatest tonics.
If you can’t find me in the house, I am usually hidden under a blanket with a book. Disturb at your peril! Alongside the lovely humans in my life, I love our collie dug, Clyde. He is my wee furry son.
I consider strangers just friends I haven’t been introduced to yet. I love meeting new people and hearing all their stories, which is pretty perfect for being a celebrant!. Variety is indeed the spice of life!
