Ground has been broken on the £65m HALO regeneration project in Kilmarnock.

A preparatory ground works ceremony took place at the new enterprise and innovation centre at the former Diageo bottling plant in the town.

The new hub aims to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs focusing on innovation, digital skills and cyber security, and could create 1400 new jobs in the area.

The wider project will include the first commercial deep geothermal heat pump installed in the UK in nearly 30 years, providing green energy at below-market prices to nearby homes and businesses.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Scotland Office, Lord Ian Duncan attended the ceremony on Monday.

Lord Duncan said: "Supported by a £3.5m UK Government investment, the HALO Kilmarnock is an ambitious, important development that will create jobs, grow the economy and drive innovation.

"The project will attract international companies to locate in the town, benefiting from the excellent transport links and a local, well-trained workforce.

"The HALO Kilmarnock represents a fresh start for Kilmarnock and Ayrshire and I hope that the project is a catalyst for further regeneration in Scotland and beyond."

The first phase of The HALO project is scheduled for completion in 2019.