Diners urged to spare £1 for homeless cause

Published on Monday 8 August 2011 19:07

Some of Scotland's leading chefs and cultural figures are urging restaurants to help festival-goers across Edinburgh give something to those less fortunate than themselves when they eat out.

The restaurant-based StreetSmart campaign helps homelessness projects and charities across the city through voluntary 1 donations made by diners in restaurants.

Cards on tables are used to show a restaurant's support, which are also listed on the StreetSmart website.

Every penny raised is spent on projects local to Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, and all costs are met by StreetSmart's sponsor, Deutsche Bank.

Restaurants that want to get involved can do so by registering online, and the campaign will run over the period of the Edinburgh International Festival and at Christmas.

Tom Kitchin, of The Kitchin restaurant, is among those who have signed on to support the scheme, and said: "When we are enjoying good food with family and friends it is important to remember and support those who are less fortunate."

Author Ian Rankin has also lent his support, saying: "All it takes is one well-fed quid next time you're dining at any of the damned fine establishments taking part, and that tiny extra sum will go straight to an excellently worthwhile cause."