Restoration for Burns Monument

The monument to Robert Burns was destroyed in November 2004

A Burns Monument destroyed by fire two years ago is to be redeveloped after the Scottish Executive granted planning permission, it has been announced.

The listed building in honour of poet Robert Burns had been one of the most prominent features of Kilmarnock and an important part of the town's history.

East Ayrshire Council Leader Drew McIntyre said: "This is an excellent outcome and will see vast improvement."

The work will cost about £3m and begin by the end of the year.

Burns, who died in 1796, is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.

He was born in Alloway, near Ayr, in 1759.