A SONGWRITING scholarship has been launched at the University of the West of Scotland...funded by Paisley chart-topper Paolo Nutini.

The Paolo Nutini Songwriting Scholarship for a place on the Masters in Music programme is open to students worldwide – with the first recipient in place in time for the 2018 academic year.

As well as sponsoring the scholarship, the New Shoes singer will teach a masterclass for the students.

Course leader David Scott said: “We’re thrilled to be launching the Paolo Nutini scholarship.

“Our Masters in Music is always full of talented young people and this initiative will help a talented songwriter to undertake studies with us at the university, regardless of their financial background.

“Paolo is a huge inspiration to young people in Paisley and beyond and we’re expecting great excitement across the university when he comes in to teach.”

Mr Scott added: “We are opening the doors now to applications from worthy candidates and we’re looking forward to a talent search like no other.”