CELTIC Connections has released a limited-edition whisky bottle, Grace Notes, in honour of its 30th anniversary.

The 18-day festival is under way after an opening ceremony in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall featuring performances from the National Pipe Band of Scotland and Scottish jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie.

The newly released whisky has been taken from three single casks distilled at Teaninich Distillery in the highlands of Scotland and bottled by Glasgow-based independent bottler Caskade.

Grace Notes was aged for 10 years before it was handpicked by Celtic Connections creative director Donald Shaw to celebrate 30 years of the music festival.

Shaw, creative director for Celtic Connections, said: “We are delighted to celebrate 30 years of Celtic Connections with this special limited edition whisky, bottled by Glasgow's own Caskade.

"Much like the country’s musical traditions, whisky holds an important place at the heart of Scottish culture and Grace Notes makes for a fitting accompaniment to this momentous milestone for the festival.”

The individually numbered bottles are limited to 752 which can be bought online from Monday or from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for the duration of the festival until February 5.

Performances over the first few days of the gathering include those on the Danny Kyle open stage in the Royal Concert Hall, featuring emerging musical talent from Scotland and the world.

Attendees also had the chance to see Glasgow band Vanlves and singer-songwriter Kitti perform at Saint Luke’s.

Also on the schedule is Edinburgh-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Callum Easter, showcasing his second album System, as well as female-led folk group the Deep Blue who will perform an array of their top hits.

The festival will host more than 2000 musicians from across the world during the four weeks, as well as offering ceilidhs and art exhibitions.