Tonic Arts

Our RSPB Nature Connections officer, Beth has been working with volunteers from our Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh fund to explore how patients and visitors can connect with nature while they’re in the Edinburgh Cancer Centre. Fresh air and connection with nature have long been appreciated in healthcare settings, and there is an ever-increasing body of evidence showing the positive impact that connection with nature can have on physical and mental health.

Together with the help of RSPB volunteers they have supported the planting of over 1,000 bulbs in the beautiful Amanda’s Garden – a peaceful, contemplative greenspace designed for patients, visitors and staff to relax and connect with nature. The newly planted bulbs will add colour and nectar for hungry early pollinators. ...

A huge thank you to Eurofins who donated 74 Easter eggs to St John`s Hospital, they were well received by patients of all ages. 🐣🥚 ...

We`re thrilled to announce our Tonic Arts Purchase Prize winner from the 17th annual Royal Scottish Academy`s New Contemporaries 2026 exhibition! Showcasing Scotland`s best emerging talent, this year`s exhibition features 64 artists and architects selected from the 2025 degree shows. 🥁

We`re delighted to have purchased two photographic works from Glasgow School of Art graduate Ellis Bairstow - 12 Commercial Court, 2025, and Persevere Court, 2026, from our very own Leith. Ellis’s works both record a very distinct period in architecture and capture tower block life (look closely!) celebrating local communities at threat of possible future demolition.

🎨 Ellis` work will be joining our Tonic Collection of over 2500 artworks, which brings cheer and distraction to patients, staff, and visitors across over 30 @nhs_lothian sites.

💬 In his own words, Ellis shared: ““I’m so delighted to receive the Tonic Arts Purchase Prize and having my work join a collection that’s displayed in NHS Lothian hospitals, for such an important cause means a lot to me.
The work documents a part of Scottish life that’s had a huge impact on communities, where tower blocks like Persevere Court in Leith have shaped the skyline and people’s lives since the 1960s. With so many of these buildings now being demolished, the project is about holding onto those places and the communities around them.
It feels really special for the work to be shown in a setting like this, within the community it comes from. I hope it brings back memories for people, whether they lived in the towers or just grew up around them and creates a sense of connection and recognition. The work is a preservation of a community and I feel very proud that it gets to be seen by so many and provide arts access to those who may need it the most.”

We`re delighted to welcome Ellis` striking and thoughtful works to the Tonic Collection.

@royal_scottish_academy @ellis.bairstow @nationalgalleriesscot

Image Credits:
Artist: Ellis Bairstow, RSA New Contemporaries
Install shot: Julie Howden

#TonicCollection #TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #RSANewContemporaries #EmergingArtists ...

We are wishing the best of luck to Eric, who is flying out today to take part in the Marathon Des Sables as a fundraiser.
The event takes place in the Sahara which spans 270km in distance over 7 days. The temperatures range from 30-50+ during the day!
We can`t wait to hear how he got on! ...

Thank you to our friends at Robertson who kindly donated benches that will be well used by the staff based at the Astley Ainslie Hospital and by patients working with our Nature Ranger as part of the LEAP New Shoots programme.

“Robertson are a responsible business who are proud to continually support the NHS Lothian Charity. We hope these benches allow patients and staff to make use of the outdoor spaces at the Woodland House garden.” - Laura Wilson, Social Impact Manager at Robertson

if you are looking for a local corporate partner to make a meaningful difference in your area for your NHS, contact [email protected]

#Corporatepartnership ...