The new chief executive of Creative Scotland has sent a round-robin email to supporters of Scotland's national arts body setting out her strategy for the future.

Janet Archer issued the statement yesterday as she aimed to put the rows which saw the her predecessor Andrew Dixon quit amid rancour with the artistic community.

Mrs Archer replaced Mr Dixon, who resigned after an open letter, signed and released by hundreds of artists, branded Creative Scotland a "dysfunctional ant heap" characterised by "ill-conceived decision-making and a lack of empathy and regard for Scottish culture".

Admitting mistakes had been made in the past, the Mrs Archer said: "It's clear we have issues to resolve. The board has recognised this and work is underway to deliver the commitments made back in December 2012.

"We will produce a new plan for launch in April 2014, which will build on the first three years of Creative Scotland's life. The plan will provide clear information about our vision, strategy and priorities, making it easy for everyone to understand why we are here and what we do.

"We will simplify the way that we fund and make it as straight forward and easy as possible for talented people to access advice, funding and support to fulfil their ambitions."

A former dancer and choreographer who worked at Glasgow's Tramway theatre, Mrs Archer spent most of her career in England but has now moved to Edinburgh. She added: "We have a wealth of feedback from creative people, organisations and staff to use as a starting point for future development.

"I would like us to continue to develop how we approach these kinds of conversations in the future."