A new exhibition showcasing a commemorative tartan design recognising 300 years of medicine at the University of Edinburgh was launched last week at Edinburgh Futures Institute.
The exhibition is available to view from 15th January to 6th February 2026 in the Anthea Bond Exhibition Room located on Level 1 of the Edinburgh Futures Institute building.
The Anthea Bond Exhibition room was a gift from University of Edinburgh alumna Anthea Bond who studied dentistry at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, making it an ideal creative space to showcase Edinburgh Medical School’s tartan exhibition.
New tartan design unveiled
A new commemorative tartan that represents Edinburgh Medical School was unveiled during the exhibition launch, chosen from a student competition which was open to all art and design students at Edinburgh College of Art.
Students were invited to weave the story of Edinburgh Medical School into a contemporary tartan design that acknowledges the school’s past whilst demonstrating its enduring commitment to a compassionate, collaborative and inclusive future.
Taking inspiration from a medical graph, the winning design follows a grid-like structure, using established University of Edinburgh colours including dark blue and red.
Triple red lines symbolise the influence of the University of Padua, Italy, in the establishment of the Edinburgh Medical School and 300 years of scientific research and advancement at Edinburgh.
Red for blood and liver, and yellow for pus reflect the traditional Edinburgh Medical School colours, while purple lines symbolise the acceptance of women as students in the medical school in 1869 as a crucial point in the school’s 300 years.
Weaving the past, present and future
The Weaving Through Time exhibition is part of a year-long programme of events and activities marking 300 years of Edinburgh Medical School since the first formal Faculty of Medicine was established in 1726.
Throughout 2026, Edinburgh Medical School 300 is exploring its history in shaping modern medicine, highlighting its diverse community and setting the stage for future innovations in medical education and healthcare.
Jennifer Williams, Creative Projects Manager, Edinburgh Futures Institute:
“We are honoured to host the Weaving Through Time exhibition at Edinburgh Futures Institute to mark the enduring impact of care, community and spirit inspired by 300 years of Edinburgh Medical School. The tartan exhibition also speaks to the Edinburgh Seven Tapestry, a tribute to the first women who enrolled to study medicine in 1869. We are delighted to recognise this landmark year with Edinburgh Medical School and to take part in opportunities to share stories of care, strength and innovation through creative works in our beautiful new public exhibition space.”
Professor Lorna Marson, Chair of Edinburgh Medical School 300 Steering Group and Deputy Head of College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine:
“As the site of the Old Royal Infirmary, the Edinburgh Futures Institute building is a fitting space to showcase the Weaving Through Time exhibition, continuing the building’s legacy as a space of care and community. The exhibition is just one of the many events and activities included in the Edinburgh Medical School 300 programme, both in-person and online. We invite everyone to take part in opportunities to connect, explore, and reflect on 300 years of history to help us shape our future for medicine in Edinburgh.”
Related links
EMS 300 Years of Medicine Events
