Common Wheel is a charity that supports people managing or recovering from mental illness and dementia by providing meaningful activities.
With deep sadness we report the passing of Dr Alistair Wilson, psychiatrist and founding member of Common Wheel’s Board. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday 19th August after a long illness.
When we tell the story of Common Wheel it starts with the idea Alistair had of a place for people with mental illness to do something useful, like fix bicycles. This was Social Prescribing before it had a name. We’ve grown and changed since that idea he had in 1997, but the core concept remains, testament to the strength of the idea and the vision that Alistair had for treatment of mental illness.
We will remember Alistair as a kind and generous man, of great personal charm. He remained a friend and advocate for Common Wheel throughout, always interested in what we were doing, dropping in for a chat at Campbell House or to visit the bike workshops.
His vision, enthusiasm and genuine care for others remain integral to how we work at Common Wheel. Without the alchemy of Neil McDonald, Colin Guthrie and Alistair Wilson, Common Wheel would not be the vibrant organisation it is today working to support people managing poor mental health and challenging the stigma of mental illness.
Our condolences to his family. As a mark of respect our bike workshops will be closed on Friday 5th September.
Details of Alistair’s funeral and memorial service are:
Friday 5th Sept 2025 at 10am, New Kilpatrick Church, Bearsden, Glasgow.
Followed by a reception and celebration of Alistair’s life at 12 noon at The Auditorium: Oran Mor, Byres Road Glasgow.
Our projects
Our aims are to improve mental wellbeing, increase skills, reduce isolation, and challenge stigma.
Our vision is that people with mental illness in Glasgow are able to live a meaningful and satisfying life and contribute to society.
News
Our Bike Workshops
We have been providing exceptional quality bicycle repairs and reconditioning since 2001. We can repair your bike, service it or give it a complete makeover. We also have a large selection of frames and parts which can be turned into the bespoke bike you always wanted, at a fraction of the price of a new one. We have two workshops, one in Maryhill and one in Bridgeton.
Maryhill bike workshop
Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm
0141 946 0777
77 Chapel Street
Maryhill
Glasgow
G20 9BD
Bridgeton bike workshop
Wednesday – Friday 10am-5pm
0141 550 3854
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
76-136 Fordneuk Street
Glasgow
G40 3AH
It is important to call us ahead of your visit as our bike engineers may be busy working with participants.
Many thanks to Becky at Open Aye for all the photography featured on this website.
Our funders
