 Fr Ross was a pivotal figure in setting up a number of important and radical initiatives in Edinburgh to deal with the problem of homelessness in the late 1960s and 1970s, notably The Skippers Cafe in the Cowgate and The Edinburgh Cyrenians.He was the founder of "The Innes Review" and of the Scottish Catholic Historical Association and vice-chairman of the Parole Board for Scotland.In this latter role he was a key figure in the establishment and development of the Special Unit at HM Prison Barlinnie in Glasgow.