in sweltering heat. "About 30 years after the bombing it was donated as a sign of friendship from Japan. That's incredible."

When the atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, Yamaki and his family were inside their home less than 2 miles away from the explosion. The devastating event killed around 140,000 people, but Yamaki and his family survived largely unhurt, with only some minor injuries from flying glass fragments. Sitting just outside of their house, in a walled nursery, the bonsai tree stood, unharmed.

The bonsai is just one of 53 trees in a collection at the arboretum. Bonsai masters designed each tree to evoke a certain kind of emotion, weight and style, according to Michael James, an agricultural science research technician and assistant to the curatorA centre which promotes Chinese language and learning in Scottish schools has been named global Confucius Institute of the Year.

The Confucius Institute for Scotland's Schools (CISS), based at the University of Strathclyde, was chosen from among hundreds of centres to receive the award.

It was awarded the accolade by Hanban, a public institution affiliated with the Chinese ministry of education.

CISS provides support to more than 300 schools across Scotland and aims to further the teaching of Chinese language and culture.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: "More than 20,000 pupils across Scotland are benefiting from Chinese language and cultural learning activities thanks to the Confucius Institute at Strathclyde.

"We equip these pupils with a global outlook and skills that will support them throughout their careers in