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Remembering Robin Dow: Co-Founder of Salvesen Mindroom Centre

29 October 2026

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We are very sorry to announce the death of a very dear client, Robin Dow, co-founder with his wife, Sophie, of Salvesen Mindroom Centre. Last year we were delighted to report that, although having been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Robin walked from Mindroom’s office in Leith to Tantallon Castle, near North Berwick – over 25 miles- to celebrate Mindroom’s 25^th Anniversary and in so doing raised over £80,000 for the charity. His walk was selected as a symbolic and powerful act to raise much-needed funds to support the charity, which was inspired by his daughter Annie, who lives with a unique and rare chromosome deletion (now informally known as “Annie’s syndrome”).

Mindroom champions all forms of neurodiversity and supports all kinds of minds, and in recent years, has experienced a major surge in demand, handling over 25,000 direct contacts annually and supporting more than 2,100 families per year.

Robin was a very successful businessman in London and Edinburgh and as a Past Captain of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield, a keen and able golfer. He spent the last 25 years of his life tirelessly supporting Mindroom to help all those coping with neurodiversity.

Sophie Dow ‘s book – When Life Doesn’t Follow The Script – is being launched at the EICC on Wednesday 2^nd December 2026. At the heart of both the charity and the book is a simple belief: society should stop focusing on what neurodivergent people cannot do and instead recognise what they can. It is an inspiring, personal detective drama written with humour, passion and a determined focus on the question: Why aren’t all minds valued equally?

Robin and Sophie had planned the book launch before he died and hope many will come to hear the inspiring story and learn of the incredible work Mindroom continues to do in Scotland.

It will be a fitting tribute to the life of a remarkable man, as well as bring hope to many.

As one reader of Sophie’s book, the mother of a neurodivergent child commented:

“You have perfectly articulated every feeling, every frustration, every moment of fierce love that comes from raising a child with additional support needs, things I have felt so deeply but could never articulate myself.”

To attend the book launch at the EICC in Edinburgh (it is free), please access this link: EICC Live – When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script