Art given a healing diagnosis at BGH

Ray Theedam-Parry, Selkirk, Nicola Hume, Greenlaw, Andy Beaumont, Lauder, Joy Parker, Selkirk, Lisa Ainslie, Galashiels, Lara Armitage, Earlston and Front Rachel and Hamish Lyall, Selkirk (PIC: BILL McBURNIE)

Artworks inspired by dozens of Borderers’ experiences during the coronavirus pandemic are now on display in the outpatients hallway at the Melrose hospital.

Lara Armitage, of Birkhill House crafting centre in Earlston, curated the majority of the 79 canvases.

The remit for all contributors was to create a one foot square canvas which reflected the strength they had found in themselves and in other people over the last eight months.

Rachel and Hamish Lyall, Selkirk. (PIC: BILL McBURNIE)

Contributors drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including nature and animals.

Lara, whose own canvas reflects the strength she found in planting seeds and watching them grow, curated 51 of the canvases with the remaining 28 curated by the Stepping Stones youth charity under its Strength in Numbers project.

Lara said: “Based on what came back, it seems fair to say that the participants have all had to reach deep within to find strengths they perhaps didn’t know they had. I think people will be inspired by their efforts.”

Sandra Henwood, spiritual care coordinator at the general hospital, said: “Staff, patients and visitors love the artwork. It’s a welcome distraction, especially the ground floor community section.”

Lauderdale Rotary Club funded the canvas materials for the project.