CELTIC Connections always brings music superstars to Glasgow - but the event also spotlights unknown talent.

The Danny Kyle Open Stage, of which the Evening Times is media partner, takes place every day from 5pm at the Royal Concert Hall, in honour of the legendary folk singer.

Entry is free, with each night seeing several acts perform.

A panel of judges then ask the best six back for a ticketed show on January 31.

The Evening Times caught up with last year’s winners to find out how they’ve been getting on.

Shelagh McKay Jones

Songstress Shelagh took home a Danny last year – but it was advice two years ago that helped her most.

“I had taken part in the Danny's the previous year,” she recalls.

“At that point I was incredibly nervous but taking part really got me over a hurdle with nerves. I will never forget Liz Clark (open stage organiser) telling me, ‘You need to get yourself out there’.

“I took that statement to heart and I spent the entire summer busking which was exactly what I needed.”

The Greenock songbird has flourished since her win, and will play St Andrews In The Square this Sunday supporting folk trio Men at Words.

“The Danny has given me the status and confidence to run my own singing and songwriting workshops (Permission to Sing and Freedom with Songwriting) and to promote myself to a much wider audience.”

Granny Green

The diversity of winners at the Open Stage can be summed up by Granny Green,

The Glasgow girls - Holly Boddice, Lizy Stirrat and Rachel Brown - use trumpet, accordion and tuba but mix in various influences to bolster their sound.

“I got the call on the Saturday night and just screamed down the phone,” remembers Holly.

“We weren't sure how we'd be received at Celtic but it couldn't have been a better reaction from the audience.”

Since then they’ve played the Eden Festival and the St Magnus International Festival in Orkney, and hope to expand their sound further.

“We fancy experimenting with electronics/loop pedal and synthesizers. Our musical roots are a bit of a guilty pleasure as we all love trance, electro and house music. We plan on using these genres as our inspiration moving into 2016.”

Talisk

A Danny wasn’t the only award netted by Talisk in 2015.

Mohsen Amini, Hayley Keenan and Craig Irving also walked off with a BBC Young Folk Award and used the prizes as a springboard to an album.

“As a band we're only just over one year old so we have a lot of thanks to give all those who organise these platforms for young artists to gain exposure,” says Craig, ahead of supporting the Gathering Stream event this Saturday at St Andrews In The Square.

“We'll be releasing our debut album towards the end of April and have a very busy year of touring planned, both within Britain and abroad.”

Gnoss

Orkney duo Gnoss scooped a Danny last January – and then played every festival under the sun.

Graham Rorie and Aidan Moodie impressed the judges with their mix of fiddle, mandolin and guitar, then gigged everywhere from the Orkney Folk Festival to the Music For Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

“Having a Danny under your belt is an excellent calling card, especially if you're new to the scene like us,” says Graham.

“People take you much more seriously if you can describe yourself as an "award-winning" act.

"It's been a great help for getting us higher profile gigs.”

Four Winds

Irish quartet Four Winds return to Celtic Connections on January 28 to support folk legends the Poozies.

But they’re already looking further afield.

“We're working on our first tours of both the States and Australia along with many more trips abroad,” says pipes player Tom Delaney.

“We will also be recording our second album.”

And the Danny gave them a huge boost.

“It was great encouragement to keep doing what we're doing: play Irish music with energy and passion.”

Pons Aelius

Instrumental sextet Pons Aelius had only been on the go for several months when they took home a Danny.

Now they’re back this Friday, supporting Americana master Tim O’ Brien at St Andrews In The Square, following a busy year.

“We released our debut EP which we launched with a UK tour,” says guitarist Alasdair Paul.

“We have also been really busy with gigs, including a memorable trip to Rauland International Winter Festival in Norway.

“We're all really excited to be returning to the festival.”