A Kilmarnock housing project will receive more than £5m of Scottish Government investment.

Funds will see the former Johnnie Walker bottling plant turned into a low carbon development, including hundreds of affordable homes.

The investment into the HALO project will make way for a new heating system which will provide low cost, renewable energy for the new homes.

The site, around Hill Street, will include a hub for business start-ups, along with a renewable energy centre and commercial and leisure units.

Economy secretary Keith Brown said: "I have already made a commitment to support an Ayrshire Growth Deal and this ambitious new development is part and parcel of that commitment.

"As a responsible, progressive nation, Scotland must also continue to demonstrate strong leadership on climate change.

"That is why I'm pleased that the Scottish Government will also be able to support our first new geothermal heating system in almost two decades, allowing local residents to access low carbon energy at an affordable price."

HALO director Marie Macklin added: "Right from the outset The HALO has been about creating a community solution for this site that the people of Kilmarnock and Ayrshire can be proud of."