Patient gardens in bloom

COMMUNITY gardens that have been created at the city's psychiatric hospital have brought back a "rural touch" for patients.

Mental health experts have long linked rehabilitation of patients to being outdoors and nature, and the newly established facility at the Royal Edinburgh in Morningside has proved popular.

NHS Lothian has teamed up with charity Cyrenians to make the gardens happen.

The charity's chief executive, Des Ryan, said: "This is a great opportunity for local gardeners, community groups and business to get involved at an early stage in something new and exciting.

"NHS Lothian has shown great vision in making this land available for the community gardens project."