The largest gathering of the music business in Scotland is taking place in Glasgow this week.

Showcase Scotland at the popular Celtic Connections roots and traditional music festival is drawing 180 music promoters, record label executives and agents to the city.

The showcase, in its 17th year, at the festival also features 60 performances by Scottish musicians.

The music industry delegates gather until Sunday and come from countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Iran and New Zealand.

The aim of the event is to expose the agents to Scottish talent and secure overseas touring contracts and record deals for Scottish based artists.

Performers at the showcase include James Yorkston, The Pictish Trail and Withered Hand, folk trio Lau and Blazin’ Fiddles.

Gaelic artists performing during Showcase Scotland include: The Poozies, Nuala Kennedy, Afro Celt Sound System (now featuring Griogair Labhruidh), Mischa MacPherson, TMSA Young Trad Tour, Karen Matheson and Skippinish & Friends.

A survey showed that £2.2 million is generated in fee income for Scottish artists from Showcase Scotland, which is organised by Active Events.

Ian Smith, head of music at Creative Scotland, said: “We have a phenomenal wealth of talent in Scotland in traditional, folk and roots music, from every corner of this country.

"Showcase Scotland gives our artists the chance to play to a global audience, via the representatives who attend this event. As such, it is a key part of our showcasing strategy ensuring the best of Scots and Gaelic musical talent, of all genres, reaches the largest possible audience.”

This year one focus of the Showcase is the connections between France and Scotland.

Eric Vandepoorter, director of the Bureau Export de la musique Française in UK, said: “We are very proud that some of France’s most talented artists will be represented during Showcase Scotland as partner country at Celtic Connections.

"There have been over 700 years of economic and cultural friendship between our countries. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our artists to perform, show their diversity and be part of this brilliant event and platform.”

"Showcase Scotland is about putting Scottish music on the world stage, strengthening existing links between different international musical communities and creating new links. What better place than Glasgow to do this, what better time than during Celtic Connections."