The wife of a lorry driver killed in a crash on the A9 has spoken of her devastation at losing her husband days before Christmas.

Gordon Cooper, 57, of India Street, Montrose, died at the scene of the accident on the A9 Perth to Inverness road north of Dunkeld in Perthshire.

Mr Cooper, who worked for the McKays of Montrose haulage firm, was driving a green lorry southbound when an unmarked silver articulated tanker travelling in the opposite direction crashed into his lorry.

Mr Cooper's wife, Rosemary, said: "Gordon was a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed.

"His untimely death has left a huge hole in our lives and that of his many friends.

"We would ask for privacy at this devastating time to come to terms with our loss, especially given the time of year."

Tayside Police have provided a family liaison officer to help and support to Mrs Cooper.

The 23-year-old man driving the tanker sustained serious leg injuries in the smash at around 5.20am on Thursday.

Two passengers in the tanker sustained minor injuries, while a third lorry was involved in the collision, but the driver was uninjured.

The A9 was closed for just under 13 hours on Thursday after the collision, as police carried out a crash scene investigation.

Police have not ruled out whether the extreme weather conditions may have played a part in the smash.

Investigating officers would like anyone who was driving on the A9 and witnessed the accident or who saw either of the described lorries prior to the smash to call them on 0300 111 2222.