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 […]
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.
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
🏃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!
🏃Introducing our London Marathon runners 🏃
Shaurya Abhi: Running in Memory of Dhruv
Shaurya’s marathon journey is a heartfelt continuation of last year’s “Beers in the Sun fun run for Dhruv” campaign, where 65 friends, family, and colleagues ran a combined 858km at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, raising over £25,000 in memory of his late brother Dhurv Abhi.
This year, Shaurya returns with Beers in the Sun Fun Run: Part II – London Town, where he continues to honour his late brother Dhruv, a beloved doctor at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
“The marathon taught me the art of getting on with it. Life gets hard, but slowly and surely, time heals everything,” Shaurya reflects. “I hope the cheers from the London crowd and the sprint down The Mall help fill the hole Dhruv left behind.”
🏃Introducing our London Marathon runners 🏃
Shaurya Abhi: Running in Memory of Dhruv
Shaurya’s marathon journey is a heartfelt continuation of last year’s “Beers in the Sun fun run for Dhruv” campaign, where 65 friends, family, and colleagues ran a combined 858km at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, raising over £25,000 in memory of his late brother Dhurv Abhi.
This year, Shaurya returns with Beers in the Sun Fun Run: Part II – London Town, where he continues to honour his late brother Dhruv, a beloved doctor at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
“The marathon taught me the art of getting on with it. Life gets hard, but slowly and surely, time heals everything,” Shaurya reflects. “I hope the cheers from the London crowd and the sprint down The Mall help fill the hole Dhruv left behind.”
A big THANK YOU to Bliss House Café who raised a phenomenal £619.20 from their dedicated day to raise money for our Secret Santa Appeal, helping to create special moments in hospital and the community for patients, their loved ones and staff.
Thank you to everyone who went along on the day to make it such a success and to the team at Bliss House Café for so generously donating a whole days takings on Christmas Eve to help others.
A big THANK YOU to Bliss House Café who raised a phenomenal £619.20 from their dedicated day to raise money for our Secret Santa Appeal, helping to create special moments in hospital and the community for patients, their loved ones and staff.
Thank you to everyone who went along on the day to make it such a success and to the team at Bliss House Café for so generously donating a whole days takings on Christmas Eve to help others.
Have you got your place for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival yet? Because nothing says ‘New Year, New Me’ like signing up for a run!
Final places available for the half and full marathon apply via our link in bio!
Have you got your place for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival yet? Because nothing says ‘New Year, New Me’ like signing up for a run!
Final places available for the half and full marathon apply via our link in bio!
Wishing you a Happy New Year! May 2026 bring you everything you hope for, we look forward to continuing our good work and helping improve staff wellbeing, enhance patient care and funding research trials.
If this year you want to get involved with our charity please feel free to reach out or visit our website!
Wishing you a Happy New Year! May 2026 bring you everything you hope for, we look forward to continuing our good work and helping improve staff wellbeing, enhance patient care and funding research trials.
If this year you want to get involved with our charity please feel free to reach out or visit our website!
As we approach the end of the year we would like to thank all of our AMAZING supporters and donors! Also a special mention to all of our fabulous partners who have helped support some of the programmes within the hospitals!
We look forward to continuing our mission in 2026, together!
As we approach the end of the year we would like to thank all of our AMAZING supporters and donors! Also a special mention to all of our fabulous partners who have helped support some of the programmes within the hospitals!
We look forward to continuing our mission in 2026, together!
We are proud to bring nature & warmth to the Chalmers Centre with artist Natasha Russell. Who worked closely with staff & patients to ensure the artwork represented the ethos of inclusivity & respect that underpins the service, whilst also connecting with those visiting.
We are proud to bring nature & warmth to the Chalmers Centre with artist Natasha Russell. Who worked closely with staff & patients to ensure the artwork represented the ethos of inclusivity & respect that underpins the service, whilst also connecting with those visiting.