Trustee of The Salvesen Mindroom Centre
The heartbreaking news that Alastair Salvesen died suddenly on Monday 9th December has profoundly saddened the Trustees and staff of the Salvesen Mindroom Centre, along with the volunteers, supporters, professional and personal friends of the Charity which bears Alastair’s name. Our collective thoughts and condolences go to his widow, Elizabeth and children, Venetia and George, to whom we express our deepest sympathy at their loss.
Alastair was a larger-than-life character in all respects. His extensive business experience, his personal engagement with particular causes, his humanity, his amazing energy, his zest for life, his philanthropy, his enquiring mind and his physical stature marked him out as a special and unforgettable person. The irony of his passing is that he was always so active and so very much alive.
Since 2014, the Salvesen Mindroom Centre has been the beneficiary of Alastair’s extraordinary commitment to helping people who are neurodivergent. He gave freely of his time and he was actively involved on our board and in pursuing our vision. His ideas, comments, questions and financial backing were all given thoughtfully, generously and with consideration and understanding.
As a result of Alastair’s involvement and philanthropy, Mindroom has grown capacity substantially in response to a deep and increasing need for our services. There are tens of thousands of children, young people, families, carers and professionals who did not know Alastair personally but who have been directly helped and supported by his dedication to our work.
While Alastair was serious about his role as a Trustee, it was always fun to spend time together and a pleasure to collaborate with him. He had a mischievous gene or two in his DNA and knew how to lighten the mood with a quip or a comment – always well intended but not always on message!
In addition to his pivotal role as Co-Founder of the Salvesen Mindroom Centre, it was due to Alastair’s initiative that the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre was founded at the University of Edinburgh. His donation recognised the fundamental importance of linking scientific, medical and societal research with high quality outreach in delivering evidence-based support to those in need.
The University of Edinburgh recognised Alastair with an honorary doctorate in 2024, acknowledging his impact on Scotland, the arts, education and neurodiversity. The University, the City of Edinburgh and the nation of Scotland are richer places thanks to his visionary involvement. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him, especially his dedicated collaborators and friends in the Salvesen Mindroom Centre.
Sophie Dow, Founder of Mindroom, said of her Co-Founder:
”Alastair’s commitment to the importance of a neurodiverse society was personal, passionate and transformative. His strategic support of Mindroom enabled the Charity to take major steps towards our inclusive vision of a world in which no mind is left behind. Our responsibility to Alastair is to honour his commitment, build on his legacy and give it permanence.”
