The new chairwoman of the Scottish Child Abuse inquiry has pledged to carry out her duties independently.

Lady Smith's predecessor quit the role amid claims she had made comments which were "offensive to survivors".

Another panel member resigned, saying the Scottish Government had been interfering in the inquiry.

Deputy first minister John Swinney has denied all claims of interference from the Scottish Government.

In her first official update since her appointment in July, Lady Smith said: "I come to this role with 15 years of experience as a judge of the Court of Session and High Court of Justiciary.

"I am personally committed to it and will discharge my duties independently, thoroughly and to the best of my ability."

She said the inquiry was working to find a suitable hearing venue and would appoint new members as its work expanded.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, set up to focus on allegations of abuse in formal institutional care settings, is expected to last four years.

Campaigners have called for its remit to be widened to religious organisations and voluntary groups, with Mr Swinney vowing to revisit the issue.

The previous chairwoman of the inquiry, Susan O'Brien QC, quit the post in July.

In her resignation letter, she claimed officials had "actively undermined" her position.

She backed criticism made by academic Michael Lamb, another member of the three-person panel who said the Scottish Government had interfered.

Currently, there are two members on the panel, Lady Smith and Glenn Houston, the former head of Northern Ireland's health and social care regulator.

Lady Smith added: "The inquiry will thus reach far back in time and has already gathered numerous accounts of abuse that happened many years ago. That work continues.

"It does so in private sessions which are taking place throughout the UK.

"We are determined to find out what happened, where, how and why, what was the conduct and what were the failings of institutions and others entrusted with the care and protection of children.

"I would encourage anyone who is able to provide information about such abuse or about the places where it occurred or about those responsible for them, whether as victim, witness or otherwise, to come forward.

"Talk to us. We want to hear from you"