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

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.

Tonic Arts Network: Using Art and Design to Transform Healthcare Spaces
Join us for our next online network event to discover more about our Havens participatory project, other staff wellbeing projects and how to develop them.
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
🎶 Join the Scottish Opera & NHS Lothian Chorus this winter! Sing opera, classical & popular music. No experience needed—just have fun!
Find out more via the link in our bio!
*NHS Lothian Staff only! #Chorus #Singing #TonicArts

🎶 Join the Scottish Opera & NHS Lothian Chorus this winter! Sing opera, classical & popular music. No experience needed—just have fun!
Find out more via the link in our bio!
*NHS Lothian Staff only! #Chorus #Singing #TonicArts
Do you have a place for the TCS London Marathon or for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? 🏃♀️
Then why not let us be your cheerleaders and choose to run for our charity!
Let us know via the link in our bio or send us a message to tell us about your place!

Do you have a place for the TCS London Marathon or for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? 🏃♀️
Then why not let us be your cheerleaders and choose to run for our charity!
Let us know via the link in our bio or send us a message to tell us about your place!
Nadine and her husband James recently fundraised to provide new CuddleCots for the maternity unit at St John`s Hospital in memory of their baby Carson.
"I wanted to say thank you to the staff for everything they did for baby Carson, James and myself. Thanks to everyone who donated towards these CuddleCots which will help other parents in the same devastating circumstances and hopefully help them find some comfort." - Nadine.
The two CuddleCots will allow for families to spend more time with their baby, create precious memories, make arrangements without feeling rushed, and gives family members the chance to visit, all while keeping their loved ones close by.
Thank you to Nadine, James and everyone who donated, your generosity doesn`t go unnoticed and we are grateful to be able to support projects and equipment like this.

Nadine and her husband James recently fundraised to provide new CuddleCots for the maternity unit at St John`s Hospital in memory of their baby Carson.
"I wanted to say thank you to the staff for everything they did for baby Carson, James and myself. Thanks to everyone who donated towards these CuddleCots which will help other parents in the same devastating circumstances and hopefully help them find some comfort." - Nadine.
The two CuddleCots will allow for families to spend more time with their baby, create precious memories, make arrangements without feeling rushed, and gives family members the chance to visit, all while keeping their loved ones close by.
Thank you to Nadine, James and everyone who donated, your generosity doesn`t go unnoticed and we are grateful to be able to support projects and equipment like this.
Our Green Health team has been loving the weather! 🌞 From photography workshops to nature-based speech therapy.
Find out more about what`s on and volunteer opportunities via our Green Health website! #GreenHealth #ConnectwithNature

Our Green Health team has been loving the weather! 🌞 From photography workshops to nature-based speech therapy.
Find out more about what`s on and volunteer opportunities via our Green Health website! #GreenHealth #ConnectwithNature
763 lives changed by brain surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh last year.
Every single one of those patients put their trust in the incredible neurosurgery team who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes.
For many, brain surgery is one of the scariest moments of their lives. But thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, surgeons now have access to cutting-edge Brainlab software, making surgeries safer and more precise.
This software was funded by donations to NHS Lothian Charity just one of the many life-changing projects made possible by your support.
Every year, hundreds of projects across NHS Lothian are powered by donations to us from innovative equipment and ground-breaking research to creating calm, comfy spaces for patients and staff.
Donate now via the link in our bio!
#NHScharity #BrainSurgery #donatenow

763 lives changed by brain surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh last year.
Every single one of those patients put their trust in the incredible neurosurgery team who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes.
For many, brain surgery is one of the scariest moments of their lives. But thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, surgeons now have access to cutting-edge Brainlab software, making surgeries safer and more precise.
This software was funded by donations to NHS Lothian Charity just one of the many life-changing projects made possible by your support.
Every year, hundreds of projects across NHS Lothian are powered by donations to us from innovative equipment and ground-breaking research to creating calm, comfy spaces for patients and staff.
Donate now via the link in our bio!
#NHScharity #BrainSurgery #donatenow
We had a great day we had promoting our staff lottery at some of our sites!
Thank you to all who stopped by at our tables (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital and St John’s Hospital)
Remember you have until the 1st of September to sign up to be in for a chance of winning our BUMPER prize draw!
Sign up via the link in our bio!

We had a great day we had promoting our staff lottery at some of our sites!
Thank you to all who stopped by at our tables (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital and St John’s Hospital)
Remember you have until the 1st of September to sign up to be in for a chance of winning our BUMPER prize draw!
Sign up via the link in our bio!
Our #TonicArts Collection Team have recently installed artworks within the Comely Bank Centre.
Working alongside staff, a selection of artworks was chosen to enhance the office walls and staff rooms. The chosen works provide @nhs_lothian staff with an opportunity to engage and take in the art whilst working and training on site. 🎨
Framing by @detailframing and @edinburgh.framework
Artworks by: @artyalicerainbow @sophie__demery @artolive50 #SafraHelenSiddiqui #TheresaFlynn #MaryLouiseColouris

Our #TonicArts Collection Team have recently installed artworks within the Comely Bank Centre.
Working alongside staff, a selection of artworks was chosen to enhance the office walls and staff rooms. The chosen works provide @nhs_lothian staff with an opportunity to engage and take in the art whilst working and training on site. 🎨
Framing by @detailframing and @edinburgh.framework
Artworks by: @artyalicerainbow @sophie__demery @artolive50 #SafraHelenSiddiqui #TheresaFlynn #MaryLouiseColouris
With your support, NHS Lothian Maternity Services have launched two Community Midwifery Hubs, bringing more in-depth assessments to local areas. These hubs help women engage better in their pre-maternal care — making pregnancy a little easier and a lot more personal.
Butterfly IQ Scanners have also been purchased meaning midwives can now check how the baby is lying without sending mums to hospital — saving time, money, and stress. 🦋
Lucy, a Community Midwife in East Lothian, shared:
“It’s so rewarding to be able to provide this service. Now I don’t have to send our mums-to-be to hospital to be scanned which is far less stressful for them and gives a continuity of care throughout their pregnancy.”
👏 Thank you for helping us bring care closer to home.
#NHSCharity #MaternityCare #CommunityMidwifery #PregnancySupport

With your support, NHS Lothian Maternity Services have launched two Community Midwifery Hubs, bringing more in-depth assessments to local areas. These hubs help women engage better in their pre-maternal care — making pregnancy a little easier and a lot more personal.
Butterfly IQ Scanners have also been purchased meaning midwives can now check how the baby is lying without sending mums to hospital — saving time, money, and stress. 🦋
Lucy, a Community Midwife in East Lothian, shared:
“It’s so rewarding to be able to provide this service. Now I don’t have to send our mums-to-be to hospital to be scanned which is far less stressful for them and gives a continuity of care throughout their pregnancy.”
👏 Thank you for helping us bring care closer to home.
#NHSCharity #MaternityCare #CommunityMidwifery #PregnancySupport