Creative Scotland - the agency tasked with supporting and developing the country's arts and creative industries - has been formally launched by the Scottish Government.

The organisation, which will be the first public body in Scotland to have equal legal status for its Gaelic (Alba Chruthachail) and English names, is based in Edinburgh and is chaired by Sir Sandy Crombie. Its responsibilities include the identification, support and development of excellence in arts and culture; the promotion of understanding and appreciation of the sector; and to increase participation.

Creative Scotland will also look to encourage and back schemes that contribute to an understanding of the country's culture and to promote commercial activity focussed on the application of creative skills. Scottish culture minister Fiona Hyslop said: "A single, national body for the arts, culture and the creative industries in Scotland is what this government promised and this is what we are now delivering.

"This government has actively engaged with the artistic and creative community to ensure their views and needs were understood and taken on board. As a result the vision and shape of the new body are much improved." Creative Scotland chief executive Andrew Dixon added: "This is Scotland's chance to develop its key strengths in the sector and bring together in a more unified way. We have a well-respected chair, a board and a strong senior team."