A new outdoor centre for people living with dementia has been launched today in the grounds of Edinburgh’s Lauriston Castle, highlighting the vital role nature can play in people’s brain health.

Alzheimer Scotland says the new centre aims to ‘unlock the power of nature’ for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Opened by Alzheimer Scotland and Edinburgh City Council today, the newly restored building and fully accessible garden area will offer a range of activities, including gardening and horticulture, relaxation and yoga, community cafes and green health programmes.

The centre also hosts its own bus stop and red phone box designed to encourage reminiscence and spark conversations among visitors.

It will be only the second outdoor centre of its kind in the UK, and follows the success of the charity’s first in Cairngorm National Park.

Gillian Councill, Alzheimer Scotland’s Executive Lead for Brain Health and Innovation, said that taking the idea from Cairngorms to Scotland’s capital is a “very exciting” moment, adding:

“Accessing and spending time outdoors is an important part of living well with dementia and has been proven to enhance mental, physical and social wellbeing.

“With a programme of therapeutic, creative, and nature-based activities, the Lauriston centre will serve as a community hub for people living with dementia and their carers, as well as anyone interested in maintaining or improving their brain health.

“We hope our centres will act as a blueprint for other Alzheimer Scotland developments.”

The new Lauriston centre has been codesigned with local groups and people with dementia and their families, to ensure it is dementia-friendly and provides inclusive activities.

NHS Scotland’s Dementia Research Consortium Network Champion and Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Tom Russ told healthandcare.scot that time outdoors and in green spaces is known to enhance quality of life and enhance brain health.

Dr Russ said:

“We are excited to support the opening of the outdoor Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre at Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh.

“We recognise the vital importance of strong community connections, regular social contact, and having access to nature and outdoor activities and how this can support the physical and mental wellbeing of people living with dementia.”

He said this new space will offer an opportunity for shared learning:

“As part of this commitment, we’re excited to support this space as we recognise the therapeutic power of nature and meaningful opportunities for engagement, learning, and connection for people living with dementia.

“Together, we’re helping to build a healthier, more inclusive Scotland for those affected by dementia.”

Alzheimer Scotland Chief Executive Henry Simmons said encouraging people to come together and socialise will benefit the brain health and mental wellbeing to local people living with dementia and their families:

“People living with dementia can often become socially isolated, or struggle to access the outdoors, but our Lauriston centre will help to bring the benefits of nature directly to them.

“We look forward to welcoming people into the centre, whether it’s to join in the various groups and activities, or to ask our team for advice and support on dementia and brain health.”

Read more: Fair funding to see Scotland lead dementia research; Harnessing a parasite to take drugs into the brain; Call for ‘urgent' review of ADHD and autism services; Scotland’s soccer aid spotlights Alzheimer's risk; Care worker visa changes ‘inhumane' and risks services; VR aids understanding of dementia; “Get ready now” for advances in dementia care; “Relentless focus” on health inequalities