A STUDENT from the University of Glasgow was awarded a prestigious scholarship which will allow him to travel to Japan to study the country's language, culture and traditions.

Giancarlo Bell, 18, from Cambuslang, is in his first year of a degree in medicine and will use the placement at the International Christian University in Tokyo to study Japan's approach to healthcare. Mr Bell, who will begin his scholarship in July, said: "I am very interested in how Japan, as one of the healthiest and most health-conscious nations in the world, maintains its healthcare systems." The annual scholarship was set up by the Japan Society of Scotland and is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management. Chairman of the Japan Society of Scotland, Professor Stuart Picken, said: "The scholarship has proven that Japan's culture, science and industry continue to inspire young people and the hope is that the scholarship will further strengthen Scotland's links with Japan."