Hamilton man Robert Finlayson killed on B7078 near Lesmahagow

Following a double tragedy on the same rural route near Lesmahagow in July, the body of 22-year-old Robert Finlayson was found on the B7078 near Blackwood on Monday morning.

The Hamilton man was last seen alive leaving a friend’s home in Lesmahagow an hour and a half before the tragedy.

Apart from the fact he was obviously struck by a vehicle, the exact circumstances of his death are unknown.

Police say that the driver involved in the accident might not even know he struck Mr Finlayson on the darkened roadway, especially if the vehicle was a large HGV. Now officers are anxious to trace a mystery witness who possibly saw the accident.

The incident caused major road disruption with diversion signs set up as the Kirkmuirhill to Canderside Toll stretch of the road was closed for 11 hours while police conducted a fingertip search of the roadway.