More than 100 restaurants have signed up to the scheme

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has invited the public to make donations when they go out for their favourite dishes.

More than 100 restaurants - from Shetland to Selkirk - have signed up to the Curries for Kashmir drive.

Glasgow restaurant owner Khalid Iqbal said: "Supporting the DEC appeal is the least we can do."

"I was born in Kashmir and know people who have lost their lives in this disaster," he said.

Curry lovers everywhere will be able to help out in a very important way Abdalaziz Aziz Restaurant owner

"The people out there had nothing to start with, and it doesn't bear thinking about what they must be going through so we are keen to do what we can to help."

Edinburgh restaurateur Abdalaziz Aziz said: "I think it's a great idea. Curry lovers everywhere will be able to come into the restaurant and help out in a very important way."

Peter Chirnside, head of the DEC in Scotland, said: "The Scottish public have so far responded terrifically to the Asia Quake Appeal.

"However, we hope Curries for Kashmir helps to keep the momentum going because people are still suffering and the situation will worsen when winter arrives.

Scots have already contributed more than �1.5m

"We know most Scots love a curry so we're urging them to go out for one with family, friends or colleagues this weekend and make a donation to the appeal following their meal."

Students across Edinburgh will be carrying out street collections and attending charity club nights next Thursday to raise money for Action Aid's humanitarian relief activities, in an effort organised by the National Union of Students.

Scots have already contributed at least �1.6m, but appeal organisers have stressed that the worsening weather has increased the need for shelter.

The natural disaster on 8 October has killed almost 50,000 people in Pakistan, with the death toll still rising in the region.