Rowan Alba has been operating since 2003 and has tripled in size in the last three years

Rowan Alba, an Edinburgh-based charity that tackles homelessness, has appointed a new chair following its AGM.

Calum Wilson, a former energy industry expert, has stepped up from his position on the board, where he has been a member for more than two years, to take on the role.

He succeeds co-chairs Dawn Dickson and Peter Freer, who have stepped down after four and four-and-a-half years respectively.

Rowan Alba has been operating since 2003 and has tripled in size in the last three years.

The charity provides long-term and temporary accommodation in Edinburgh for people who would otherwise be homeless and runs an outreach service that seeks to prevent homelessness in those at risk.

It runs eight properties catering for 86 residents, with a further 100 people in the community visited by its outreach service.

Karen Barr, Rowan Alba’s chief executive, said: “Calum will be an excellent chair for Rowan Alba. His compassion combines with his business experience and ambition for our charity to grow its services to help even more people.

“I am confident he will be a significant driver for Rowan Alba and a powerful supporter for what we do. On behalf of everyone at Rowan Alba I want to thank Dawn and Peter for all of their support and wise counsel and we wish them both well in their future endeavours.”

Calum Wilson said: “I’m proud to be taking on this role. Homelessness is a major issue for modern society as a whole and the more that Rowan Alba can do to tackle this problem in Edinburgh the better for everyone.

“The Rowan Alba team, under the guidance of Dawn Dickson and Peter Freer and our CEO, Karen Barr, has made an amazing difference so far and I’m confident there’s more we can do.”