The fatal accident on the A75 happened on Sunday afternoon

At 1500 GMT on Sunday, three people died in a six vehicle pile-up on the A75 west of Dumfries.

Half-an-hour earlier one person died in a one-vehicle crash on the B999 Tarves to Methlick road.

A biker was killed on the A828 North Connell to Ballacuillish road near Oban and one person died in an accident on the A706 South of Breich, West Lothian.

In the A75 crash, four were also seriously injured and had to be airlifted by helicopter to Dumfries Infirmary.

A further three - described as walking wounded - were treated at the scene.

Debris scattered

The accident happened on a three lane section of the road known as the Glen.

Reports from the scene said that debris was scattered over a wide area.

A fleet of ambulances and a helicopter were deployed to deal with the injured.

The road remains closed and diversions are expected to remain in place until at least 12 noon on Monday.

Part of the A75 is expected to be closed until noon on Monday

Earlier this year, four people died in accidents on the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway in the space of six weeks.

The biker killed in Oban was a 42-year-old man who was pronounced dead at the scene.

A report is being sent to the procurator fiscal and the police are appealing for witnesses.

The West Lothian fatal crash involved three cars and happened at about 1400 GMT on Sunday. At least one other person was injured.

The Aberdeenshire crash involved one vehicle. One person died and no one else was injured. Police closed the road while investigations took place.

Late on Friday night, three people were killed in a three-car road accident on the A95 near Keith, in Moray.

One vehicle caught fire after colliding with another vehicle at the Bridge of Montgrew on the A95, one mile east of Keith.