Author pours his heart into fundraising

BEST-SELLING novelist Alexander McCall Smith dropped in for a cuppa at a Morningside cafe to launch this year's Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising campaign.

The author of the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books joined staff nurse Beth McLeod at Loopy Lorna's Tea House on Morningside Road for the event.

While enjoying a freshly poured brew, the writer encouraged others to put the kettle on and hold tea parties to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

This year the charity hopes to raise 1 million from events organised by thousands of people hosting gatherings at home, work, school, or with local clubs.