Motorbike fatalities on Scotland's roads have risen in the last year, new figures show, with overtaking accounting for around one in four lives.

The statistics were revealed as the Scottish Government and Police Scotland launched a new safety campaign called Live Fast Die Old, aimed at 40 to 49-year-old male bikers.

Data from Police Scotland highlights that male bikers in the age group are most at risk of being killed or seriously injured, with 27% of all fatal crashes in 2015 taking place whilst overtaking.

As the weather improves, Easter weekend marks the start of the biking season, with bikers taking part in ride-outs and tours throughout the country.

"Failing to look properly" and "loss of control" were the top two contributory factors reported in these collisions.

Further data released by Transport Scotland revealed that motorcyclists make up one per cent of Scotland's road traffic, but account for 15% of fatalities.

The figures showed that throughout the biking season it is not unusual to see someone die every weekend.

Chief superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing, Police Scotland said: "Many bikers will be preparing to get back out on the road this Easter weekend to enjoy the wide range of rides and scenery Scotland has to offer.

"We understand the thrill of motorcycling and why people want to do it, but we also want them to keep themselves safe, especially when overtaking and negotiating left hand bends.

"The Live Fast, Die Old campaign allows us to talk directly to bikers, encouraging them to enjoy the biking season while thinking about the safety aspects of their ride."