CREATIVE Scotland has announced a major shake-up of its policies in the face of widespread criticism from Scotland's artistic community.

The body, which distributes £80 million in government and National Lottery funds, will implement internal reforms two weeks after it received an unprecedented letter of protest from more than 400 artists. It has already launched two internal inquiries to study operational issues and the use of Lottery funds.

Chairman Sir Sandy Crombie has announced a return to an emphasis on specialised knowledge in dealing with artists and companies. He said: "We will look again at our structure to ensure appropriate prominence is given to art form specialism."