Efforts to restore open cast mines will be discussed today in light of the collapse of a major mining company.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing will lead a meeting in Cumnock, East Ayshire, one of the areas affected by the liquidation of Scottish Coal.

Mr Ewing said there have been significant developments on job preservation.

Of the 648 jobs axed, between 300 and 500 new jobs will be replaced, he said.

"This positive news is down to the hard work of the taskforce, the co-operation from those affected and the engagement with councils, with workers and with coal operators," he said.

"Today's taskforce meeting will focus on the issue of restoration, and its importance for both the environment and for job creation."

A shortfall of up to £62 million has been found in the cost of restoring open cast mines in the local authority area, it emerged last month. About £27.6m is thought to be in place to pay for work estimated as high as £90m, a report to the council stated.

The figures were provided by liquidators KPMG, which said restoration could cost between £48m and £90m.

Bond coverage in Scottish Coal totals £16.1m, with a further £11.5m in sites run by collapsed firm Aardvark.

At the upper end, the difference would amount to just in excess of £62m.

Lang Banks, director of environment group WWF Scotland, said: "It would be simply wrong if the original company, and anyone who might buy its assets, were to be allowed to walk away without cleaning up the mess that's been left behind. So it's really good to hear that ministers are going to address the issue of restoration and clean-up of open cast coal sites."