Tonic Arts
Enhancing environments and enriching experiences.
Tonic Arts is NHS Lothian Charity’s vibrant, award-winning arts in health programme, creatively enhancing the patient, staff and visitor experience at NHS Lothian.
Working in partnership with staff and patients, we deliver a diverse arts programme of events, workshops, exhibitions and site-specific art commissions that help improve staff and patient health and wellbeing across the NHS Lothian community.
Watch our video to find out more about how we use art and creativity to enhance health and wellbeing
Latest news
Hivestock Festival brings music, sunshine and smiles t…
The grounds of Royal Edinburgh Hospital came alive at the end of August with music and celebration as annual outdoor festival, Hivestock, returned once again
Nicola Benedetti brings festival experience to patient…
We were delighted to welcome Nicola Benedetti, Director of the Edinburgh International Festival and world-renowned violinist, to the Royal Infirmary […]
Music jams help to improve mental health and wellbeing…
Music jams bring the healing power of live music to the Royal Edinburgh hospital during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Healing Through Dance: Gentle Movement Classes Boost W…
In a heartwarming collaboration between Dance Base and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, patients at East Lothian Community Hospital are […]
What’s on
Edinburgh: Four Seasons in One Day – Outdoor Photography Exhibition by Dr Pete Wands
“Edinburgh: Four Seasons in One Day” is a captivating outdoor photography exhibition by Dr Pete Wands, GP at Morningside Medical Practice.
Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh: An Art Exhibition by Julia Murden
Explore Julia Murden’s Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh exhibition at The Western General Hospital, featuring art inspired by mindful walking […]
Positive Health: Green Health and Tonic Arts Network Gathering 2025
Our 2025 Network Gathering is a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and advancing positive health initiatives using creativity and nature.
NHS Festival Sessions
We’re thrilled to be continuing our exciting partnership with Edinburgh International Festival, bringing world class artists to perform for patients and staff across NHS Lothian.
Spotlight on: Havens
NHS Lothian Charity’s programmes, Tonic Arts and Green Health, in partnership with Stills Gallery, are proud to present ‘Havens’ – a series of portraits and stories documenting NHS Lothian staff members’ work-life experiences.
Our Work
Tonic Commissions
Tonic Collection
Tonic Exhibitions
Tonic Participation
📸 Edinburgh: Four Seasons in One Day
We’re thrilled to showcase a stunning outdoor photography exhibition at the Astley Ainslie Hospital. Photographed by Dr Pete Wands a GP at Morningside Medical Practice.
Over 8 years of street photography, Dr Wands captures the soul of Edinburgh through its ever-changing seasons: raw, reflective, and beautifully unpredictable. 🌦️🍂❄️🌸
Head over to our Tonic Arts microsite to find out more about the exhibition!
#TonicArts #Edinburgh
📸 Edinburgh: Four Seasons in One Day
We’re thrilled to showcase a stunning outdoor photography exhibition at the Astley Ainslie Hospital. Photographed by Dr Pete Wands a GP at Morningside Medical Practice.
Over 8 years of street photography, Dr Wands captures the soul of Edinburgh through its ever-changing seasons: raw, reflective, and beautifully unpredictable. 🌦️🍂❄️🌸
Head over to our Tonic Arts microsite to find out more about the exhibition!
#TonicArts #Edinburgh
Introducing ‘Remember a Life Loved’ – In-memory pages for our supporters
Many of you have asked for a way to honour your loved ones online a special space to share memories, stories, and photos that bring comfort during difficult times.
We’re proud to introduce ‘Remember a Life Loved’, our new online in-memory pages. This is a place where you can celebrate the life of someone special in a way that’s meaningful to you.
Whether you`re commemorating a loved one with family and friends or fundraising in their memory, this page offers a lasting tribute and a heartfelt way to say thank you to those who cared for them.
Find out more via the link in our bio!
#RememberALifeLoved #InMemory #CelebrateLife #FundraiseInMemory
Introducing ‘Remember a Life Loved’ – In-memory pages for our supporters
Many of you have asked for a way to honour your loved ones online a special space to share memories, stories, and photos that bring comfort during difficult times.
We’re proud to introduce ‘Remember a Life Loved’, our new online in-memory pages. This is a place where you can celebrate the life of someone special in a way that’s meaningful to you.
Whether you`re commemorating a loved one with family and friends or fundraising in their memory, this page offers a lasting tribute and a heartfelt way to say thank you to those who cared for them.
Find out more via the link in our bio!
#RememberALifeLoved #InMemory #CelebrateLife #FundraiseInMemory
Richard and Jean’s Story: Honouring Jean’s Memory💗
“Jean was everything to me. We built a beautiful life together in Edinburgh. At just 38, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a moment that changed everything. Her strength through 22 years of treatment was extraordinary. We made precious memories, from cruises to Concorde flights, and she never lost her spirit.
Jean passed away 13 years ago, but her kindness and courage live on. I’ve left a gift in my Will to the Breast Cancer Unit that cared for her to say thank you, and to help others facing the same journey.”
📜 This month is Free Wills Month - a chance to write your Will for free and consider leaving a gift in memory of someone you love. Tap the link in our bio to find out more.
#FreeWillsMonth #BreastCancerAwareness #GiftInWill
Richard and Jean’s Story: Honouring Jean’s Memory💗
“Jean was everything to me. We built a beautiful life together in Edinburgh. At just 38, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a moment that changed everything. Her strength through 22 years of treatment was extraordinary. We made precious memories, from cruises to Concorde flights, and she never lost her spirit.
Jean passed away 13 years ago, but her kindness and courage live on. I’ve left a gift in my Will to the Breast Cancer Unit that cared for her to say thank you, and to help others facing the same journey.”
📜 This month is Free Wills Month - a chance to write your Will for free and consider leaving a gift in memory of someone you love. Tap the link in our bio to find out more.
#FreeWillsMonth #BreastCancerAwareness #GiftInWill
A huge thank you to the Berwickshire Charity Truck Run for their continued support and generosity, this is the second year they have donated to our Edinburgh Cancer Centre Research Fund to support the work of Scottish Regional Cancer Network! We are very grateful to them for their ongoing commitment to invest in research that have the potential to improve and save lives.
A huge thank you to the Berwickshire Charity Truck Run for their continued support and generosity, this is the second year they have donated to our Edinburgh Cancer Centre Research Fund to support the work of Scottish Regional Cancer Network! We are very grateful to them for their ongoing commitment to invest in research that have the potential to improve and save lives.
🌟 Run for a reason. Run for someone you love. 🌟
In May 2025, Bethany Hitchen took on the Edinburgh Marathon Festival to honour her beloved grandmother, Diana, who passed away peacefully at home in North Berwick. Despite advanced dementia and physical decline, Diana was surrounded by love and exceptional care from NHS Lothian’s Hospital to Home and District Nursing teams.
Bethany shared how NHS staff “laughed, cried, and cared” alongside her family, ensuring Diana’s final months were filled with dignity and compassion. From emergency care to hip surgery and time at East Lothian Community Hospital then even over Christmas the NHS teams went above and beyond.
Bethany raised over £800 for us, helping improve patient care, support staff wellbeing, and fund vital research. Her run was more than a challenge it was a tribute, a thank you, and a way to give back.
Feeling inspired? Sign up today via the link in our bio!
🌟 Run for a reason. Run for someone you love. 🌟
In May 2025, Bethany Hitchen took on the Edinburgh Marathon Festival to honour her beloved grandmother, Diana, who passed away peacefully at home in North Berwick. Despite advanced dementia and physical decline, Diana was surrounded by love and exceptional care from NHS Lothian’s Hospital to Home and District Nursing teams.
Bethany shared how NHS staff “laughed, cried, and cared” alongside her family, ensuring Diana’s final months were filled with dignity and compassion. From emergency care to hip surgery and time at East Lothian Community Hospital then even over Christmas the NHS teams went above and beyond.
Bethany raised over £800 for us, helping improve patient care, support staff wellbeing, and fund vital research. Her run was more than a challenge it was a tribute, a thank you, and a way to give back.
Feeling inspired? Sign up today via the link in our bio!
This week we are celebrating Climate Week! Our Green Health team try hard to help keep the hospitals cool and stop flooding. But good news you can help to! By applying for one of our Climate Challenge Grants. Up to £5,000 available to help:
🌳Improve biodiversity
🌳Improve energy efficiency
🌳Increase waste recycling
🌳Reduce plastic consumption
🌳Lower travel emissions
For more information visit the `apply for funding` section on our website!
*Grants are only opened to NHS Lothian staff.
#ClimateChange #GreenHealth
This week we are celebrating Climate Week! Our Green Health team try hard to help keep the hospitals cool and stop flooding. But good news you can help to! By applying for one of our Climate Challenge Grants. Up to £5,000 available to help:
🌳Improve biodiversity
🌳Improve energy efficiency
🌳Increase waste recycling
🌳Reduce plastic consumption
🌳Lower travel emissions
For more information visit the `apply for funding` section on our website!
*Grants are only opened to NHS Lothian staff.
#ClimateChange #GreenHealth
This Organ and Tissue Donation Week, we are highlighting a team of 30 patients, families, and staff from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s Transplant Unit who took on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2025 – raising over £10,000 for NHS Lothian Charity! 🎉
Led by Senior Charge Nurse Sam Slight, the Transplant Trekkers walked together to celebrate second chances, honour organ donors, and support transplant care.
For many, it was more than a walk – it was a powerful reminder of resilience, recovery, and community. 🫶
Read the full story on our website!
#TransplantTrekkers #OrganDonationWeek #EdinburghKiltwalk
This Organ and Tissue Donation Week, we are highlighting a team of 30 patients, families, and staff from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s Transplant Unit who took on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2025 – raising over £10,000 for NHS Lothian Charity! 🎉
Led by Senior Charge Nurse Sam Slight, the Transplant Trekkers walked together to celebrate second chances, honour organ donors, and support transplant care.
For many, it was more than a walk – it was a powerful reminder of resilience, recovery, and community. 🫶
Read the full story on our website!
#TransplantTrekkers #OrganDonationWeek #EdinburghKiltwalk
We are here at the Scottish Fundraising Conference, where our Community and Events Fundraiser Tumong is on the panel alongside some other amazing charities! Which is a great opportunity to meet some amazing people and share our good work! 🏃🏃🏼♀️
We are here at the Scottish Fundraising Conference, where our Community and Events Fundraiser Tumong is on the panel alongside some other amazing charities! Which is a great opportunity to meet some amazing people and share our good work! 🏃🏃🏼♀️