18 February 2011 Last updated at 07:41 ET

Violinist Benedetti launches student scholarship

Ms Benedetti said she was proud to support Italian postgraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh

Violinist Nicola Benedetti has launched a new scholarship at the University of Edinburgh to support the study of the Italian language, history and culture.

The classical musician, who has Italian roots, is to become patron of a scheme to provide scholarship opportunities for postgraduate students.

The fund will help fund fellowships, masters and PhD programmes.

This will include research in Italian visual arts, music, literature, history and philosophy.

Ms Benedetti said the scholarships would enhance Scotland's rich, historical ties with Italy.

She said: "I am very proud to support Italian postgraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh and hope this new fund can help ensure that no gifted student misses out on a place at Edinburgh because of a financial obstacle."

Italian has been taught at the University of Edinburgh since 1919, with more students graduate in Italian studies from Edinburgh than any other Scottish university.

Professor Federica Pedriali, head of modern Italian studies at the university, said: "We would like to thank Nicola Benedetti for her support for this scheme."