Co-Chairs Peter Freer and Dawn Dickson, and member Bill Robertson have been instrumental in the transformation of Rowan Alba, who provide a vital service to the most marginalised of homeless people, providing accommodation-based services for those with complex needs, and support in the community to those at risk of homelessness.
Dawn, Peter and Bill have worked tirelessly with Karen Barr, the CEO, to ensure Rowan Alba reaches out to more people in need by increasing its services provision in Edinburgh with a recent growth programme.

Peter says, “It’s now time to hand the baton over to someone else. I have really enjoyed my time with Rowan Alba, a fantastic organisation, helping the most vulnerable, and I am happy to be leaving it in safe hands.” Dawn added, “The time is right to move on and I am so relieved the organisation is stable and growing with more people now being helped by Rowan Alba and I know there is more to do, I wish all at Rowan Alba the very best.” Bill says, “it has been a pleasure serving on the Board of Trustees of Rowan Alba and I am extremely proud of the work they do to ease the suffering of vulnerable people who have experienced homelessness.”

New Rowan Alba Chair Calum Wilson

Rowan Alba appointed a new Chair, Calum Wilson, a member of the Board for over two years. Calum was voted in as the new Chair at Rowan Alba’s AGM, held on 28th October 2025. Calum has a wealth of business management expertise, a former energy industry expert with strong business experience. Karen says, “Calum will be an excellent chair. His compassion combines with his business acumen and matches his ambition for our charity to grow and help even more people.”

On behalf of all at Rowan Alba, we wish Peter, Dawn and Bill all the very best and we look forward to working with Calum and Board colleagues towards a continued growth and development of Rowan Alba, helping more people.