A motorcyclist has died has died after a crash with a car forced the closure of one of Scotland's busiest motorways overnight.

The collision happened near Larkhall, Lanarkshire, on the M74 at around 10.40pm on Thursday night. The 30-year-old man riding the motorcycle died at the scene.

The 43-year-old female driver of the Mazda involved in the crash was not injured.

Emergency services attended the scene and the motorway was closed southbound at junction seven for almost seven hours, reopening at around 5.30am on Friday. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Sergeant Billy Broatch, of Police Scotland, he said: "I’d like to speak to anyone who witnessed this crash or anyone who saw the motorcyclist travelling on the M74 along with another motor bike just prior to the crash taking place."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Divisional Road Policing Unit at Motherwell via telephone number 101.