The Cockburn Association Welcomes New Director

The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s Civic Trust and one of the world’s longest established conservation bodies is delighted to announce the appointment of Rowan Brown as the Charity’s new Director.

Rowan Brown takes over from Terry Levinthal who held the post from 2017 and has left to become the Director of Edinburgh World Heritage.

Rowan describes herself as a passionate charitable sector leader, motivated by a firm belief in the benefits of socially engaged, environmentally sustainable, civic practice. Her most recent role was as Chief Executive of Museums Northumberland where she led diverse partnerships to achieve impressive results in fund-raising and awards, sustained collaborative working, and community engagement. Rowan has worked across the UK, with directorships at the National Mining Museum Scotland and the Alfred Gillett Trust and curatorial posts with Glasgow museums and National Museums Scotland.

Rowan Brown with bust of Lord Henry Cockburn

In her eight years at Museums Northumberland, she led the team to achieve Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Status, embed a culture of collaboration and attain awards including the first ever Historic England Blue Badge Access Award for Woodhorn Museum. She also led a Local Government Partnership Award for reinstating the Category A/Grade I Union Chain Bridge (which crosses the Scottish/English border) in partnership with Scottish Borders and Northumberland County Councils, and the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge.

A disability advocate, member of the North East Combined Authority Culture Creative Tourism & Sport Advisory Body and the English Civic Museum Network, Rowan has served on the Boards of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, Museums Association, Industrial Museums Scotland, the Ashington Town Development Board, and as Chair of Ethics for the Museum sector. In her spare time, Rowan is a keen cultural consumer, and a volunteer in civic work and literary festivals.

Left to right: Rowan Brown, Director, Lesley Martin, Chair, Richard Price, Vice Chair

Lesley Martin, Chair of the Cockburn Council of Trustees said: “

We think that she will bring just the right blend of business acumen, a deep knowledge of heritage, commitment to sustainable and inclusive principles, and an impressive track record of delivery. We are looking forward to working with Rowan to plan the next exciting phase of the Cockburn Association’s work beyond this special 150th anniversary year”.

Rowan, who will take up the post in late September 2025 said of her new role: “I’m extremely honoured to take up the role of Director of the Cockburn Association. The Cockburn’s impressive achievements, succinctly expressed in the excellent 150th anniversary publication, set the bar very high. We have so much to thank the charity and its membership for, not least the access to Edinburgh’s beautiful green spaces and its world-renowned skyline. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in Edinburgh’s vibrant culture, and working with my new colleagues and Edinburgh’s diverse organisations, businesses and communities to ensure that Edinburgh is a city fit for the future, and respectful of its past”.