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
Network Event: Creatively Minded
Our next online Tonic Arts network meeting is to let you know about our Creatively Minded project.
Looking Through a New Lens
NHS Lothian Charity’s Green Health and Tonic Arts programmes are proud to present a photographic exhibition of original images created by […]
Out of the BluePrint: A 10 year retrospective
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 […]
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
🌿 Social Prescribing Day 2026 🌿
Connecting people with nature can transform lives. Whether it’s joining a walking group, taking part in a green gym, or spending time gardening, nature‑based activities offer powerful benefits for mental health, recovery, and overall wellbeing.
That’s why we partnered with Health in Mind and launched a new centralised Green Social Prescribing resource, making it easier for people to discover local activities and for prescribers to connect individuals to support that can prevent crisis and promote long‑term wellbeing
Find out more on our Green Health website.
#SocialPrescribingDay2026 #GreenHealth
An update from one of our London Marathon Runners Shaurya Abhi:
"I’m ten weeks into my training, which began in mid-January. I persevered through the cold, dark winter runs, and now I’m enjoying longer, brighter days and runs. This week’s 25km will be my longest since last year’s Edinburgh Marathon Festival, and I feel prepared. I`m heading off next week for some skiing and relaxation, although I expect my legs will be quite sore after the slopes, so I’ll need to ease myself back into my training routine soon afterwards."
His fundraising activities have included:
• Selling 2026 calendars featuring his puppy, Paddelina
• A sponsored run with colleagues, accompanied by homemade banana bread
• A run and pizza night with friends
"The ongoing support I receive from everyone, along with the opportunity to honour my brother`s legacy, continues to inspire and motivate me as I prepare for the big day in April."
Join us in wishing Shaurya the best of luck with the rest of his training and if you would like a calendar of the lovely Paddelina send us a message and we will pass it on!
Join our next Tonic Arts Network meeting. Discussing our Creatively Minded programme which is a new grant funded project, which is specifically designed to support NHS staff (individuals and groups) experiencing stress and anxiety.
📌1st April, online
Find out more and sign up to the network via our Tonic Arts website
#TonicArts
Trolleydarity our partnership with National Theatre of Scotland was Team of the Month/ Highly Commended for St John`s Hospital, presented by site manager Andrew Mackay.
The Trolleydarity team received 3 nominations from the Stroke Unit for this award for their work with patients, visitors, and staff. Well done to the team, now it is moving onto East Lothian Community Hospital!
Are you planning for your future? This March we are offering free Wills for our supporters through our partner Bequeathed.
Head to our website to find out more.
#FreeWillsMonth
An update from one of our London Marathon runners, Ross Winton.
"My training is going really well so far, I managed to do 31km in my long run today and feeling okay afterwards, so hopefully that’s a positive sign. It’s been tricky juggling working full time, family life and training but it’s all for a fantastic cause and I remain totally committed to seeing this through. The work done by the volunteers at FACE is incredible and I feel proud to be able to raise funds and awareness of this amazing local charity."
Less than 6 weeks before he travels to London to run for our Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh fund. Please join us in wishing Ross the best of luck with his training, we know he will smash it!
We’re proud to have supported the creation of a new dedicated Practice Embedded Research Unit (PERU) at Penicuik Medical Practice; one of the first of its kind in Scotland.
Supported by the guidance of NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Primary Care Network, the practice has transformed one of its consultation rooms into a purpose‑built research space. This will help bring research closer to communities, making it easier and more accessible for patients to take part in clinical trials that could shape the future of healthcare.
Chief Nurse for Research & Development, Juliet MacArthur, officially opened the facility on Tuesday 3 March, marking a major step forward for research in primary care.
We’re delighted to support this pioneering work and proud to see innovation and community‑driven research happening right here in Lothian. A huge congratulations to the team at Penicuik Medical Practice for leading the way!
Together, we’re helping bring research into the heart of communities. 🔬
Read more on our website!
#PrimaryCare #ClinicalResearch #CommunityCare #PERU
We`ve kicked off the Chilli Challenge with Lou, our Nature Ranger distributing sowing packs and growing `know-how` to over 100 individuals and 8 participating teams from the Bioquarter. Welcome everyone! Chilli Porters F.C (pictured here) have joined in the fun and been essential in receiving seed and other essential supplies to get everyone sowing!
Stay tuned for updates! #GreenHealth