Demolition work has begun ahead of a major development of Ayr's riverside.

The Ayr Renaissance project will transform 1.2 acres of derelict shops, with new headquarters for South Ayrshire Council, housing and a hotel replacing them.

The plans to transform the banks of the River Ayr were revealed last year when founder of the Maggie's cancer centres Charles Jencks and Oxford University master planner Niall McLaughlin took over the area.

It is hoped the ambitious plan will revitalise the High Street, with the development of a new outdoor public space and festival building also included.

The site is due to be ready for development in 2018.