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
NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts Welcomes Trolleydarity…
Trolleydarity’s Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller is an innovative new project by artists Shona Reppe and […]
Art Exhibition Shines Light on Scotland’s First Rena…
A moving and inspiring art exhibition created by young adults living with kidney conditions, is now open at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh marking a milestone moment for NHS Lothian’s pioneering Renal Young Adult Service.
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 […]
What’s on
Out of the BluePrint
This exhibition is produced collaboratively between Out of the Blueprint and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts as part of a […]
Sea Trek Parade
This exhibition showcases the costumes, artwork and photos from the recent Sea Trek parade at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, which […]
Trolleydarity
Welcome to Trolledarity’s Scratch n Sniff Staycation for the Discerning Static Traveller in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland. […]
Festive Festival Sessions
Join us to experience the Edinburgh Festival Chorus singing festive classics for NHS Lothian patients and staff. This is the […]
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
A massive thank you to all our elves who took part in The National ‘Elf Service Day and collectively raising over £6,800! Christmas may have been and gone but the kindness and generosity from those who supported our patients, staff and visitors will be long lasting. A special thanks to all those who took part again and those who joined in the fun for the first time!
Special mention to some of our elves from Unison Lothian Health Branch and Robertson Construction Central East!
A massive thank you to all our elves who took part in The National ‘Elf Service Day and collectively raising over £6,800! Christmas may have been and gone but the kindness and generosity from those who supported our patients, staff and visitors will be long lasting. A special thanks to all those who took part again and those who joined in the fun for the first time!
Special mention to some of our elves from Unison Lothian Health Branch and Robertson Construction Central East!
There is only a FEW places left for the Edinburgh half and full marathon!🏃 Don`t wait any longer, sign up today on our website (link in bio)
There is only a FEW places left for the Edinburgh half and full marathon!🏃 Don`t wait any longer, sign up today on our website (link in bio)
We are delighted to announce that work has commenced at East Lothian Community Hospital in both Ward 1 & Ward 2`s garden!
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress 👀
#GreenHealth
We are delighted to announce that work has commenced at East Lothian Community Hospital in both Ward 1 & Ward 2`s garden!
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress 👀
#GreenHealth
Our 2025 Secret Santa Appeal helped approximately 7000 patients across NHS Lothian!
Along with being able to help make it as festive as we can for the staff as well, as many have chosen to be there and given up their own Christmas to care for the patients.
We want to make it as joyful as possible for everyone.
You can help us continue the magic for staff and patients throughout the year by giving a regular gift on our website! ✨
Our 2025 Secret Santa Appeal helped approximately 7000 patients across NHS Lothian!
Along with being able to help make it as festive as we can for the staff as well, as many have chosen to be there and given up their own Christmas to care for the patients.
We want to make it as joyful as possible for everyone.
You can help us continue the magic for staff and patients throughout the year by giving a regular gift on our website! ✨
Have you been thinking about signing up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? Well this is your FINAL CALL for 2026!!!
Sign ups are about to close for both the marathon and half marathon, so get in now or you will have to wait another year!
We would LOVE you to join our team, sign up now via the link in our bio!
Have you been thinking about signing up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? Well this is your FINAL CALL for 2026!!!
Sign ups are about to close for both the marathon and half marathon, so get in now or you will have to wait another year!
We would LOVE you to join our team, sign up now via the link in our bio!
We are proud to have supported a new training resource for NHS Lothian maternity services staff which promotes person-centred care for LGBTQ families. The resource captures real-life stories of families from the LGBTQ+ community who describe, in their own words, their experience of maternity care.
We are proud to have supported a new training resource for NHS Lothian maternity services staff which promotes person-centred care for LGBTQ families. The resource captures real-life stories of families from the LGBTQ+ community who describe, in their own words, their experience of maternity care.
🏃Introducing our next London Marathon runner 🏃
Ross Winton running in memory of his mum:
Ross Winton will be running his first-ever full marathon, having secured his own place in the 2026 event.
“Having lost my mum to cancer 20 years ago, I know how tough it is for cancer patients and their families,” Ross shares. “I’m proud to run for to give back to our NHS and in particular their cancer services.
Have your own place? Send us a message and let us cheer for you!
🏃Introducing our next London Marathon runner 🏃
Ross Winton running in memory of his mum:
Ross Winton will be running his first-ever full marathon, having secured his own place in the 2026 event.
“Having lost my mum to cancer 20 years ago, I know how tough it is for cancer patients and their families,” Ross shares. “I’m proud to run for to give back to our NHS and in particular their cancer services.
Have your own place? Send us a message and let us cheer for you!
🏃Introducing our next London Marathon runner 🏃
Polly Bisset: Running for Margaret and NHS Lothian!
Polly is a lifelong NHS Lothian staff member, is running in memory of her colleague Margaret Andrews, a cherished member of the Clinical Education Team. Polly will wear a T-shirt emblazoned with “Skiver” in bright gold—Margaret’s signature mug and a symbol of her warmth and humour.
“I’ve worked at NHS Lothian since I was 17, and its values are close to my heart,” Polly said. “Margaret was a pillar of support to our team, and I’ll carry her spirit with me every step of the way.”
Polly is planning a series of fundraising activities in the lead-up to the marathon, continuing her dedication to the organisation she’s served for nearly 30 years.
Have your own place? Let us know and join our team!
🏃Introducing our next London Marathon runner 🏃
Polly Bisset: Running for Margaret and NHS Lothian!
Polly is a lifelong NHS Lothian staff member, is running in memory of her colleague Margaret Andrews, a cherished member of the Clinical Education Team. Polly will wear a T-shirt emblazoned with “Skiver” in bright gold—Margaret’s signature mug and a symbol of her warmth and humour.
“I’ve worked at NHS Lothian since I was 17, and its values are close to my heart,” Polly said. “Margaret was a pillar of support to our team, and I’ll carry her spirit with me every step of the way.”
Polly is planning a series of fundraising activities in the lead-up to the marathon, continuing her dedication to the organisation she’s served for nearly 30 years.
Have your own place? Let us know and join our team!