Here's a tip: pay £1 to help the homeless

EDINBURGH restaurants are to again add £1 to bills during the Festival to raise money for the homeless.

The scheme, which supports the charity Streetsmart, raised 19,000 last year and was launched again at a reception in Tiger Lily, George Street. Across the UK, the scheme has raised 4.2 million since its launch in 1998.

Martin Wishart, Gordon Ramsay, Tom Kitchin, Fergus Henderson, John Torode and Giorgio Locatelli are among the high-profile chefs who support the campaign.

City crime author Ian Rankin has also added his support.

He said: "Next time you're dining at any of the damned fine establishments taking part in this glorious campaign, that tiny extra sum will go straight to an excellent worthwhile cause.

"Go on, it'll make you feel good about that expanding waistband."

Participating restaurants will display a Streetsmart card throughout August.

A full list of participating restaurants can be found at www.streetsmart.org.uk