diff --git a/panels_lock_region.theme.inc b/panels_lock_region.theme.inc
index 3dfaeed..5a6c887 100644
--- a/panels_lock_region.theme.inc
+++ b/panels_lock_region.theme.inc
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ function template_preprocess_panels_lock_region_region_buttons(&$vars) {
   $region_id = $vars['region_id'];
   $display = $vars['display'];
   $renderer = $vars['renderer'];
-  $vars['links'] = '';
+  $vars['links'] = array();
 
   // Load lock status.
   $lock = $display->panel_settings['region_lock'][$region_id];