Festival 2026

To Absent Friends – A wander in Holyrood Park

Organised by Humanist Society Scotland

Saturday 7th November, 11:00am - 12:15pm

In Holyrood Park, Edinburgh

This activity is open to the public. Please register in advance.

Join us for a gentle, thoughtful wander and an opportunity to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people we love who have died. 

Starting and finishing at the Lilyhill Terrace entrance to Holyrood Park (inside the park gate, opposite 49 Lilyhill Terrace, EH8 7DR) on Saturday 7th November 11am – 12noon in Holyrood Park.

We will pause at the poet-tree to read some poetry, and if you wish to (no obligation), you can share a little about your loved one and/or write their name on an autumn leaf and scatter it into the wind to return to nature. We will then continue to walk up to Dunsapie Loch before returning back.

The walk will be facilitated by Lara, a Humanist Celebrant and the Community Engagement Manager for Humanist Society Scotland.

Unfortunately the path is not suitable for wheelchairs, and includes some steps, and muddy, uneven surfaces. Participation is at your own risk. Please wear appropriate clothing for the Scottish weather and bring a waterproof and water bottle or thermos.

This activity is free and open to the public, but please register in advance on Meetup so that we have an idea of numbers. 

Photo by Van Williams via Unsplash