Officers will clamp down on dangerous motorcycling in the Borders by using a new unmarked police motorbike.

It is hoped the action will help encourage bikers to stay safe on the rural roads, where nine motorcyclists have already been killed this summer.

The vehicle, which is fitted with digital recording facilities, will patrol the A68, A702, A7 and A697 this weekend.

Inspector Roddy MacMillan, trunk roads inspector for the east of Scotland, said several other bikers have been seriously injured this year.

He said: "The consequences of driving or riding dangerously can be devastating for the families, if someone is killed or seriously injured as a result.

"It is my officers who knock on the doors of their loved ones to let them know their relative has been killed and it never gets any easier.

"I am an experienced motorcyclist and I understand the thrill and enjoyment of motorcycling, but I am committed to using all means at my disposal, to discourage dangerous and inappropriate driving and riding to keep people safe on Scotland's roads."

Officers will speak to bikers and other drivers to spread the safety message as part of Operation Zenith.

Any evidence captured on the unmarked bike's camera will be used to prosecute those who are driving dangerously.

The vehicle is one of several unmarked motorbikes which are used by Police Scotland around the country.

Inspector MacMillan added: "There is already an increase in the volume of tourist and foreign drivers, who are unfamiliar with the roads, therefore I would encourage motorcyclists to slow down, use their observation skills, comply with the speed limits and take extra care when planning and negotiating overtakes.

"With our unmarked police motorcycle deployed, the chances of being caught should you opt to disregard the speed limit or other road traffic offences have never been higher.

"A number of offenders have already been detected for speeding and driving dangerously or carelessly on previous weekends during this operation and the public should not risk driving or riding in a manner, which will result in police action. Don't risk it."