A Sanctuary in the City: Edinburgh’s New Dementia Garden at Lauriston Castle
Unlocking the Power of Nature
Alzheimer Scotland’s Executive Lead for Brain Health and Innovation, Gillian Councill, stated:
“Spending time outdoors is proven to enhance mental, physical, and social wellbeing. For many people with dementia, social isolation and a struggle to access outdoor spaces become major challenges. This new centre directly addresses these issues by providing a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment.”
The garden, beautifully restored by the Forget-Me-Not Trust, and the renovated lodge serve as a community hub where individuals can reconnect with the natural world.
There is even an outdoor dementia café specifically set up to cater for those living with dementia and associated health conditions.
A Haven of Reminiscence and Engagement
The new centre is far more than just a garden; it is a meticulously designed space that encourages interaction and reminiscence.
The site hosts a variety of activities as part of ongoing social care in Edinburgh, including:
- Gardening
- Horticulture
- Relaxation and yoga
- Green health programmes
- Mindfulness and reminiscence
- Cognitive stimulation therapy
These activities are designed to be therapeutic and creative, promoting independence and social interaction. Adding to the garden’s unique charm are carefully placed features such as a traditional red phone box and a bus stop—intended to spark memories and conversation among visitors. This dementia-friendly design fosters a sense of familiarity, safety, and emotional comfort.
The lodge itself has been decorated in a mid-century style, likely to resonate with many older visitors and further aid in reminiscence.
The project is the result of a collaborative effort between several organisations. The Forget-Me-Not Garden Trust, established in 2015, led the transformation of the derelict lodge and garden. Alzheimer Scotland contributed its proven model from the Badaguish centre in the Cairngorms, providing expertise in outdoor dementia care.
This partnership reflects the importance of a community-led approach. The centre has been co-designed with local groups and people living with dementia to ensure it is truly user-focused and meets real-world needs.
It stands as a hopeful example of what the future of health and wellbeing could look like—for individuals as well as social carers in the Lothians.
If you feel that 1st Focus Homecare is a company you can trust, please contact our office on 0131 510 7878, where we can discuss your care needs. If we can help you or your loved one, we can arrange to meet you in person at your home to assess your care needs. Once an agreement is in place with you privately or via the local council, we will build you a care and support plan and agree on a start date.
A Blueprint for the Future of Dementia Care
The Lauriston Castle centre is the second of its kind in the UK, and its opening signals a significant shift in how dementia support is provided. The success of the Badaguish centre in the Cairngorms demonstrated that a nature-based approach can create a vibrant and supportive community, offering a range of seasonally-based outdoor activities that benefit both those with dementia and their carers. Carers, who often bear the brunt of 24/7 care, also find a much-needed respite and a chance to share experiences with others in a similar situation.
The development of this new centre in Scotland’s capital is an important step towards making green health an integral part of dementia care across the country. As Dr Tom Russ, NHS Scotland’s Dementia Research Consortium Network Champion, notes, “Strong community connections and access to nature are vital for the physical and mental well-being of people living with dementia. This new space will serve as an opportunity for shared learning, and Alzheimer Scotland hopes that its two centres will act as a blueprint for other developments nationwide.”
A Commitment to a Healthier, More Inclusive Scotland
The opening of the Lauriston Castle Dementia Garden is a cause for celebration, not just for Edinburgh, but for Scotland as a whole. It represents a commitment to building a healthier and more inclusive society for those affected by dementia. As Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, states, “The centre will help to bring the benefits of nature directly to them. It is a place where people can find not only support and advice but also a sense of connection, peace, and purpose. The garden stands as a living symbol of hope, a tangible reminder that even with a diagnosis of dementia, a life of meaning and wellbeing is possible, nurtured by the simple and profound beauty of the natural world.”
Other Useful Guides
1st Focus Homecare has a long history of supporting families affected by dementia. Our one-to-one approach aims to help both individuals and families chart a course to an effective care plan.
These guides can help in understanding more about dementia:
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