Dean Castle in Kilmarnock has closed until 2020 for major repair and refurbishment.

The total cost of the three-year project is expected to be £5.2m, with work including stonework restoration and internal modernisation and re-display of the collection and exhibition areas.

Areas of the castle that are not currently accessible to the public will be opened up, and the courtyard will become a hub for activities.

During February and March, the castle's collections of early musical instruments, armour and tapestries will be brought to the Dick Institute for safe-keeping and display.

A series of events, workshops and recitals have been planned to allow visitors to view the collections.

Councillor Elena Whitham said: "Dean Castle is very much the jewel in East Ayrshire's crown and its future very much depends on these vital restoration works, which will preserve the attraction for generations to come.

"I'm delighted that the collection can be housed at the Dick Institute during the closure period.

"I would encourage visitors from near and far to pop into the museum to see these artefacts in a new light in their new temporary home."

Due to the scale of the move, exhibits are expected to be on display at the Dick Institute from April 2018.