Our People

Co-Chair

Dawn Dickson

I am a solicitor with 24 years’ experience representing clients in employment, human resources and litigation matters across a variety of sectors. Throughout this time I have continually had a strong focus on improving local communities by leading on volunteering and charitable initiatives at my firm.

I wanted to be involved with Rowan Alba as it benefits a cause I really believe in and helps those who may otherwise be misunderstood. Working with the organisation provides an opportunity to truly help those faced with homelessness. I’m looking forward to being able to use my skills to support the organisation in its important and excellent work.

Co-Chair

Peter Freer

I have worked in the different areas of the social housing sector in Scotland for around 15 years.  This has involved working for RBS, The Scottish Housing Regulator and The Scottish Government.  I currently work for a finance company that focuses on supporting charities and social impact businesses in raising funding to support growth ambitions. 

I was keen to use this experience to support a charity that was making a difference in society and was an easy decision to do this with Rowan Alba. I want to be able to help the business ensure it carries on all its fantastic work and also look to grow the services we offer. 

Board Member

Eileen McMullan

I have worked across the housing, homelessness, care and support sectors for many years in England and more recently in Scotland. My experience has been in policy work, including the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and previously in local and central government in strategic roles, commissioning, housing, care, support and substance misuse services. Preventing homelessness and integrated working across the health, housing and care systems has been a key focus of my work and I am keen to use my experience to support Rowan Alba, a charity that makes a difference to the lives of the individuals who have experienced homelessness.

Board Member

Ryan Harper

With over a decade of experience in technology, as a Cloud Engineer, I focus on delivering scalable, resilient solutions that enhance operational efficiency and create lasting value; whilst making sure to enjoy the journey with those around me.

I’m proud to support Rowan Alba and am excited to blend continual study of the domain and my professional experience to help advance Rowan Alba’s vision of a more inclusive and compassionate suite of services for the people of Edinburgh. It’s a true privilege to act in service of an organization making such a profound difference in the lives of some of the city’s most excellent people.

Board Member

Sid Kathirvel

I’ve spent over two decades helping businesses unlock growth. I guide founders and teams across tech, retail, and services through strategic marketing and digital transformation. I help them cut through the noise to focus on what truly moves the needle.

After working with global brands and mentoring early-stage startups, I wanted to channel that experience into something that would make a real difference locally.

Rowan Alba’s mission resonated with me. It’s about dignity, permanence, and compassion. We offer homes and human connection to those most often forgotten. I’m proud to support Rowan Alba’s vision of breaking the cycle of homelessness, not through temporary fixes, but by empowering people to rebuild their lives.

I’m here to help Rowan Alba grow its impact by applying my experience in strategy, leadership, and governance. I believe in work that matters. Rowan Alba does precisely that.

Board Member

Cain Adam Clifford

I am a qualified chartered accountant with 8 years experience working in a global asset management company in Finance and Internal Audit roles. I was eager to use my experience and knowledge of risks, controls and finance to give back to a local organisation in Edinburgh.

It is fantastic to be involved in such a great cause as Rowan Alba where the impact in local Edinburgh communities is so clear and apparent. I have enjoyed every aspect of my board role and I’m very excited for what the future holds for Rowan Alba and the help that this organisation can provide.

Board Member

Calum Wilson

I’m delighted to be involved with Rowan Alba and to contribute to the great work that the organisation does. Life can change in an instant and the support, understanding and compassion shown by the Rowan Alba team is invaluable. Homelessness is very real for so many people and for so many different reasons that tailored support on the path to a fulfilling life is essential.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and using my experience to contribute to the continuing success of Rowan Alba while always looking at opportunities to further improve and potentially grow the services we offer.

Board Member

Margaret Nethery

Board Member

Bill Robertson

Being attracted to Rowan Alba wasn’t difficult. The mission, values and history struck a chord. I had been looking for a opportunity to give something back and this just seemed perfect.

My experiences in life, good and bad, have given a perspective that the best thing you can do is enable people to help themselves. Rowan Alba does that but within a structured support framework. I want to help Rowan Alba develop and widen its reach helping a much greater number of people.

I often come across quotes that make me stop and think. Of them all I prefer Simon Sinek’s – “Value is something people feel, not something we tell them they get.”