Judges have heard the first instalment in a private prosecution bid against Glasgow bin lorry crash driver Harry Clarke.

Advocate Dorothy Bain QC addressed judges Lord Carloway, Lord Bracadale and Lady Paton at proceedings in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

She represents the families of Jack and Lorraine Sweeney and their granddaughter Erin McQuade.

The family and three other people lost their lives after a bin lorry which was being driven by Mr Clarke, 59, struck them in Glasgow City Centre on December 22, 2014.

Ms Bain also represents the families of students Mhairi Convy and Laura Stewart, who were knocked down and killed in Glasgow in 2010.

The two women, who were aged 18 and 20, were walking in North Hanover Street, Glasgow, on December 17 2010 when a Range Rover being driven by William Payne mounted the kerb and hit them.

Crown Office lawyers decided not to prosecute Mr Clarke and Mr Payne.

The relatives of those who died in the collisions believe that the Crown made the wrong decision.

They now want to bring their own prosecution against the two men and have gone to the high court to seek permission to start proceedings.

Much of what was said during Tuesday's hearing cannot be reported for legal reasons. However, Mr Clarke is being represented by solicitor advocate John Scott QC and Mr Payne is set to be represented by senior advocate Gordon Jackson QC.

A future hearing about legal issues arising from Tuesday's proceedings will be heard in the near future. The date will be set soon.