FRIDAY, 3, APRIL, 2026

Photographs attached:

Photo 1: L-R: Nursing staff Roz Rankin and Sarah Beddows, THAT Development Officer Karine Neill, artist Freya Cumming, and Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital’s Lynne Murrie and Connie Irvine.

Photo 2: NHS Tayside staff and Friends of Blairgowrie celebrate the unveiling of the new art installation

New mural unveiled at Blairgowrie Community Hospital

A new wall art installation has been unveiled at Blairgowrie Community Hospital.

The illustrative mural was created by Freya Cumming who worked in partnership with Tayside Healthcare Arts Trusts (THAT) as part of a unique collaboration between NHS Tayside staff, patients and the artist.

The art on display in the GP unit depicts local images, places and events which aim to create a welcoming environment for patients, visitors and staff at the hospital. The vibrant, colourful artwork has transformed the space with an uplifting visual experience.

After a year of planning and designing, the mural was created by local artist Freya. In collaboration with THAT, Freya held an art and design workshop for patients, staff and Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital to draw design inspiration from their memories of Blairgowrie.

The mural places Blairgowrie Hospital at the centre of the art which is surrounded by all the local memories of those who attended the art and design work workshop, bringing colour, energy, and a sense of connection into the hospital environment.

Artist Freya Cumming said, “It was important that the community recognised and connected to the buildings and characters within the mural and the beautiful surrounding nature that is so much part of the landscape. I hope my designs provide a positive source of conversation and something that everyone enjoys.”

Senior Charge Nurse Sarah Beddows said, “It has been amazing to see our idea come to life. We simply wanted to improve the area and make it a more usable space. What Freya has achieved with this wonderful artwork is very special and everyone is delighted with the results.”

Friends of Blairgowrie Community Hospital Chair Lynne Murrie said, "We are delighted to fund this wonderful piece of artwork. It has been so interesting to be part of the process and to contribute to the design. Our hope is that it triggers memories for patients and inspires many conversations."

THAT development officer Karine Neill said, “We are delighted to have supported Freya and everyone who was passionate about creating something bespoke for Blairgowrie Community Hospital, and it is a joy for THAT to provide another creative environment design that responds to the community and everyone who uses the space. Thanks to Phoenix Designs Dundee for their great team who worked to install and support Freya during this process.”

Blairgowrie Community Hospital is an integrated healthcare facility that serves Blairgowrie, Rattray and the surrounding area. It has a community ward with inpatient beds, various outpatient clinics and appointment only minor injuries and illness unit.

THAT promotes art commissions that demonstrate the therapeutic value of arts within healthcare environments and aims to provide a range of creative opportunities that enhance quality of life, promote social inclusion and empower an individual to make an important contribution to their health and wellbeing. THAT has a Tayside wide remit.

Contact:

Nisha Pawar

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) number