TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcycle enthusiast from Hawick who died in a crash involving his beloved machine near the Scotland-England border.

Chris Bouglas was killed after his green Kawasaki ZR1000 collided with a car 100 metres north of the Carter Bar on the A68 road at the junction with the A6088.

The 31-year-old from Hawick, was pronounced dead at the scene while the 41-year-old driver of a silver Volvo was cut free by fire crews and taken to Borders General Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Mr Bouglas was well-known in motor cycling circles and was a member of the UK Zed Headz community for biking enthusiasts.

Many of its 600 members throughout the UK have changed their Facebook profiles to show a picture of Mr Bouglas and his Kawasaki ZR 1000 as a tribute.

Shocked friends of Mr Bouglas also left tribute messages on his social networking website.

The A68 road was closed for around five hours in both directions following the accident which happened at around 10.10am on Sunday.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Anyone who may have information about this collision is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101."