Scotsman Obituaries: Les Reid, teacher, Humanist celebrant, activist and jazz aficionado

George Massie was a regular, much appreciated writer to The Scotsman's Letters page

Les Reid, teacher. Born: 16 January 1948 on Stornoway in the Hebrides. Died: 6 January 2025, aged 76

Les Reid died after a second battle with cancer. He was the second son of Albert and Jeanie (nee Mooney), born on Stornoway in the Hebrides in 1948. He grew up and worked for many years in Northern Ireland, before moving to Edinburgh during his retirement. He attended Dalriada Grammar School in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, and later gained a degree in philosophy at Queens University Belfast, followed by a masters in education, another in media studies and an Open University qualification in astronomy.

Les was a teacher by profession, and held a lifelong passion for learning, debate and rational thought. He taught English and media studies in Ballyclare High School in Northern Ireland, where he also championed the school chess club, debating society and jazz group. Many pupils recalled his wit, his principled approach and his encouragement as a teacher. One pupil shared that having copied out a story from his bookshelf for an overdue creative writing assignment, Les had written on the assignment: “Edgar Allen Poe is one of my favourite writers, try someone a little more obscure next time.”

He was a committed Humanist, deeply principled and politically active. He stood for election as a local councillor for the cross-community Alliance party in the 1980s in Northern Ireland, under the slogan “pull together, not apart”. Les was politically active all his life and was canvassing for the Labour Party as recently as the July general election in Scotland.

He was also a deeply committed Humanist, believing strongly in the natural world with no supernatural elements, and advocated a secular approach to many of the big social and political issues of the day. He was a member of the Humanist association for several decades, including as Chair of the Belfast Humanist Group for a number of years, and was a Humanist celebrant, conducting funerals, and an active member of the Humanist Society Scotland, including teaching a course on Humanist philosophy.

His commitment to constant learning meant that he was keenly engaged in the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) in Edinburgh, leading a group on the Scottish Enlightenment. Les was the author of many a letter to the Scotsman, where he wrote in support of Ukraine, in support of the right to assisted dying and advocated urgent action to tackle climate change.

Les was also an enthusiastic musician, loved a great joke and was a keen cyclist. He was a jazz aficionado, attending and playing saxophone at numerous gigs around Edinburgh.

He moved to Portobello in Edinburgh in 2012 to be closer to his daughter Rosie, a GP based in Haddington, East Lothian, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Heather, daughters, Katy and Rosie, and grandchildren, Penny, Jess and Leo. He will be greatly missed by all lucky enough to be taught by him, who debated with him and who knew him.

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