Tributes to Cumbernauld teenager Sophie Laing killed in M73 crash near Gartcosh junction

Tributes have been paid to a teenage girl killed in a two-car crash on the M73 on Saturday.

Sophie Laing, from Cumbernauld, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital following the collision on the M73 northbound near the Gartcosh junction.

The 16-year-old ,who was a passenger in the car, later died from her injuries.

After police shared her name and photograph, tributes flooded in on social media.

One bus driver who recognised her wrote: “I’ll miss you getting on my bus and having a laugh and your cheeky wee smile. I’ll always remember you and keep the [Christmas] card you gave me. It was a pleasure being your favourite driver and getting you home safely.

“I’m still looking at the bus stop every night hoping I’ll see you there waiting on me as usual until we meet again… Rest in peace Sophie my wee pal.”

Her cousin said: “My stunning baby cousin, taken away far too soon, fly high with your dad angel, love you to the moon and back we all love you so so much forever 16.”

A former colleague said: “So, so sad to hear this tragic news. Me and Sophie had previously worked together and [were] in the same class at college.

“She was a lovely, kind girl. You will be truly missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family.”

One friend said: “Fly high angel, absolutely devastated the salon won’t be the same without you, things like this make you realise life is far too short. RIP wee gorgeous face.”

A former teacher said: “So, so sad to hear this tragic news. I taught Sophie in Primary 3, she was a lovely, kind girl. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family.”

The 62-year-old driver of the car in which Sophie was a passenger was taken to the same hospital for treatment where his condition is unknown.

A 42-year-old man, who was driving the other vehicle, was arrested in connection with road traffic offences.

He has since been released pending further enquiries.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or has dash cam footage of the area at the time to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1665 of January 28.

Constable Paul Mallon, Lanarkshire Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Sophie’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information which could assist to contact officers.”