The transport minister has apologised to motorists who were left stranded on the M74 amid heavy snow on Tuesday night.

Humza Yousaf addressed MSPs at Holyrood on Wednesday following a number of problems on one of the country's busiest of roads.

Mountain rescue teams had to be called in to check on passengers after cars became stuck in the snow for several hours.

Tailbacks on the road stretched for six miles following cars becoming stuck and HGVs losing control.

Mr Yousaf said: "Can I, presiding officer, firstly repeat on record my apology to any driver who was stranded last night in hours of queuing particularly on the M74.

"That would of been a deeply unpleasant experience, certainly not one I would have liked to have been in."

The minister outlined to MSPs why the road was brought to a standstill for several hours across Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Mr Yousaf said seven HGVs had skidded and blocked the entire southbound stretch of the motorway at 6pm, with authorities only able to re-open a single lane two hours later.

Cars had to pass the crash site in convoys with gritters to ensure everyone's safety.

Problems persisted, however, and a further four HGVs lost traction at 2am causing the motorway to once again be closed.

Further heavy snow fall is expected across much of southern Scotland on Wednesday evening.

Mr Yousaf told MSPs that Police Scotland will be warning drivers to avoid all travel within the amber weather warning zone.