Oscars 2013: Disney-Pixar's Brave nominated for best animation

The film follows the exploits of lead character Merida

Disney-Pixar's Brave has been nominated for best animation in the Oscars.

Earlier this week, the story about Merida, a headstrong Highland princess, was nominated for a Bafta.

It features the voices of Kelly Macdonald and Billy Connolly. The film's score includes songs performed by Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis.

Pixar writers and artists visited the Highlands, Argyll and the Western Isles to research Brave's story and animation.

The Pirates! An Adventure with Scientists, which Bristol-based Aardman Animations helped to create, Wreck It Ralph, Frankenweenie and Paranorman have also been nominated for the same Oscar.

Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond, welcomed Brave's Oscar nomination.

Tourist body VisitScotland created a multi-million pound tourism campaign to tie in with the release of the film last year.

Mr Salmond said: "This nomination is fitting recognition for Brave, and caps a great year for a great film - coming on the back of yesterday's Bafta nomination for best animation.

"Brave has been a terrific showcase for Scotland and has given this country the unprecedented opportunity to be promoted across the world, being marketed in some 72 countries."