Blog by Lel McAteer, June 26 Six months ago I turned up to a lodge on Loch Lomond knowing little about what I was walking into. Six months later I've buried letters under sunflower seeds, met my younger self, got comfortable with my spiritual self, projected my voice across a loch, crafted ceremonies that stretched me out of shape and brought me joy, wandered way-way-way out of my comfort zone, made new friends, made mistakes, laughed, cried, cried some more, and stood insid

Blog by Lel McAteer, May 26 Before I tell you a bit about the fourth weekend of training with Rites & Rituals Scotland, I want to tell you about a week that came before it. My husband, Izzy dog and I had returned from a week exploring the Outer Hebrides. The landscape was incredible and the weather was kind to us, gifting us endless skies, white sands, and Atlantic waters so calm, clear and clean. The Hebrideans were welcoming and generous. It was, in every sense, a pilgri

Written in the Style of Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown, by Fleur Hoole 8th June 2026 Dear Gentle Reader, This celebrant has recently returned from another invigorating training weekend held at the sheltered and picturesque loch-side bungalow in Ardlui, a setting which, over recent months, has quietly borne witness to the ceremonialists’ first steps into the practices of Rites and Rituals Scotland. As ever, the gathering unfolded as two days of intensity and inspiration – a

Blog by Lel McAteer, March 26 The theme of our third training weekend was Summer, and Mother Nature blessed us with sunshine for much of the weekend. Greeting us was Rites & Rituals Scotland's ceremonialist, Helen, who had joined Lindy and Victoria to help us navigate the learning journey. The day opened as it always does with the creation of our altar, the lighting of the candle, and a poignant welcoming blessing that gently gathered us together and set the intention for

A blog by Fleur Hoole – 25 th March 2026 Before our 3 rd training weekend began, I took a short walk to stretch my legs and focus my intentions for our time together. I was stopped by this scene – underneath the majestic light of the morning sun, with the boat grounded on the shore now filled with greenery and heathers which echo how my heart, soul and celebrancy work is also growing. In the background a boat had its engine running in preparation for future trips across th

Blog by Lel McAteer, March 26 “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This ancient proverb, attributed to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, resonates deeply with me right now. Last autumn, I took that step by applying to Rites and Rituals Scotland, hoping to join their training and become a ceremonialist. Acceptance opened new doors, leading to last month’s first session: learning about the ‘Art of Ceremony & Ritual.’ Every new undertaking has a learnin

Blog by Fleur Hoole – 4 th March 2026 As springtime gently made its presence known, with the quiet appearance of the snowdrops amongst the leaf mould and sprinklings of snow, and under the skeleton branches of the trees, I started to reflect on what to bring along to dress the altar for my second Rites and Rituals training session, with its focus on “New Beginnings”. My experience of altars had been based on religious traditions, so the idea of creating one from objects that

by Fleur Hoole I set off from home to my training weekend in the dark, and later whilst skirting the shores of Loch Lomond, the sky lightened on a grey, drizzly morning, the wind whipping up the steely waters. Arriving early, I took a short walk to settle my nerves. Although I knew that I’d be encouraged and looked after by the Rites and Rituals ceremonialists, I was stepping into the unknown, unsure of the challenges ahead and whether I’d sink, struggle or swim. As I looked

Blog by Lel McAteer, Feb 26 Inspired. Thankful. Exhausted. When my husband asked how I felt after my first Rites and Rituals Scotland training weekend, I answered with three words: inspired, thankful, and exhausted. I’m Lel, one of two practising celebrants lucky to join the first round of Rites and Rituals training for 2026 which began with the theme, The Art of Ceremony & Ritual. I already felt inspired even before I arrived at the training location in Ardlui on the bonnie

By Helen Parker If you’re anything like me, the last few weeks have passed in a blur, as we plunge headfirst into the festive season. Every year, despite my best intentions, my days are filled with choosing last minute gifts, shopping, and trying to fit in as many nights out as possible. Our diaries are full, bank accounts emptying at an alarming rate and everything seems to demand our attention all at once. And of course, December is often a month of constant eating and drin

Written by Gordon Smith Last week I popped into Ninewells Hospital in Dundee to visit my cousin who’d had her appendix whipped out. Successfully :) Ninewells is a place I came to know quite well around 18 months ago when my wife, Janet, was undergoing investigations and treatment associated with a brain tumour. Sadly, despite the best efforts of all concerned, the tumour won and Janet lost a brave and dignified battle in May 2024. It’s still not an easy place for me to visit

Written by Gordon Smith I’m a member of my local church in Arbroath. We have a newish Minister in our ministry team and she, Judith, asked for volunteers to write a short passage summarising, or reflecting on, one of a number of passages from the bible. The collection will be formatted to become an advent calendar of readings and reflections from individuals. Several weeks ago, I picked Matthew 1, 1-17, The Ancestors of Jesus Christ, not knowing that a few weeks later the su

Written by Helen Parker As all the dog owners among us will appreciate, when you’re out and about with your pooch, you get to know a...

Written by Marion Gilloolly It’s easy to feel despondent about humanity in these days where we are witnessing horrific suffering, famine,...

Written by Gordon Smith Just short of four years ago, in November 2021, a mature Oak tree in the grounds adjoining our house came down as...

On 11 April 2025, in the most glorious setting on Loch Tay, we celebrated our graduation from the first Rites & Rituals Scotland...

Written by Gordon Smith A lot has happened in the week since our wonderful and moving graduation ceremony. A lot has happened in the four...

Written by Fiona Winchester - Rites and Rituals Scotland Ceremonialist It’s an image that is incredibly spiritual and one that I will use...

Written by Marion Gillooly With most things in life, practice makes perfect, and becoming a Rites and Rituals Scotland Ceremonialist is...