THE director of Brave, the Disney•Pixar movie set in Scotland, is to mentor students in Glasgow.

Mark Andrews, one of the leading filmmakers at Pixar, describes Scotland as the "most beautiful and inspiring land" he knows. Now he is to spend two weeks working with students at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) in April.

This is the first time a filmmaker from the multi-award-winning company has undertaken a mentoring project with students in the UK.

Brave recently picked up the Golden Globe for Best Animated Film and is nominated for an Academy Award and a Bafta.

Andrews will give lectures at the GSA and lead workshops as well as being involved in a GSA schools project.

Professor Seona Reid, director of GSA, said: "We are delighted that a filmmaker of Mark's calibre has offered to come and work with our students sharing his considerable experience and expertise with the next generation of creative talent."

The invitation was made by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop following a visit to Disney•Pixar's US headquarters during Scotland Week 2012. She said: "The opportunity to learn from such a hugely successful and experienced filmmaker is very rare indeed, and I have no doubt that it will be a valuable one."

Some of Andrews's ancestors came from Torridon in the Highlands. He said: "Scotland is the most beautiful and inspiring land I know. The rolling hills, the sense of deep-rooted mystery, and most of all, the people, are rich with stories.

"'Brave' could not have been made without Scotland, and I'm thrilled to come to the Glasgow School of Art to give back to the people and the place that so moved me."