Rowland has served as a Parish Councillor for over twenty years, taking up the positions of both Chairman and more recently Vice Chairman. Rowland was born in Kittwhistle and still lives and works there, the proprietor of the local garage and motor engineer. Rowland was extensively involved with the development of the Parish Plan and is currently a member of the Neighbourhood Plan and Chairman of Blackdown Village Hall. Rowland is a keen motor cyclist.