Edinburgh news round-up: Dance along to charity Zumbathon

Followers of the dance fitness craze Zumba are holding a "Zumbathon" this Saturday in aid of the British Heart Foundation Scotland and the New Zealand Earthquake Appeal.

Eight instructors will be on hand to take the 300-capacity class, but there will also be raffles, face painting, games and Zumbatomic for kids.

The event is at Meadowbank Sports Centre from 2-4pm. For more information visit www.fitness aroundtheworld.co.uk/zumbathon

Rotary clubs round up cash

EDINBURGH'S Rotary clubs have raised 2331.39 for the tsunami and earthquake relief effort in Japan.

About 32 members from the Rotary Club of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Breakfast Rotary Club collected donations in the city centre.

A spokesman thanked the public's generosity.

Chantel to rock up in Capital

Rock and blues star Chantel McGregor will be performing at The Voodoo Rooms on Tuesday, April 26.

The rising star, who is from Bradford and has played guitar since the age of three, will appear on set as part of her blues trio.

All the fun of the fair at store fundraising day

FAMILIES will be able to enjoy a fundraising fun fair at Tesco Colinton Mains tomorrow.

Staff and customers will be aiming to raise as much money as possible for Alzheimer Scotland. The Scottish charity, along with the Alzheimer's Society, is Tesco Charity of the Year for 2011.

The fair will include rides and games for all the family. In addition, dementia advisors will be on hand offering advice and information.

The fair runs from 11am to 3pm.

Appeal to be heard over garage plans

AN appeal has been lodged against a decision to refuse planning consent to turn a residential garage into a commercial garage.

The application, for the garage at Merchiston Mews, was rejected by planning officials in December.

The applicant has now appealed the decision, meaning that councillors will get the final say at a meeting of the City of Edinburgh Local Planning Review Body on April 13.

Talk brings India to city

Broughton History Society will present a talk by Bengali poet and lecturer Dr Bashabi Fraser at Drummond Community High School at 7pm on Monday.

Dr Fraser's talk is titled Journeys between Scotland and India and is open to non-members. Entry is 2, including refreshments.