Five people have been seriously injured after a coach carrying 32 tourists overturned on a rural road.

The crash happened on the A83  near the Rest and Be Thankful, in Argyll on Thursday.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 2.10pm.

Twenty five people are described by Police Scotland as walking wounded, while five are believed to be seriously injured. They have been taken to the Southern General or the RAH for treatment.

A Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Several crews from Argyll area are in attendance.

“Firefighters have been working closely with police and the ambulance service to help people who were on the bus when it overturned on the road beside Loch Awe.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1410 hours this afternoon, Thursday 26 march, a coach with tourists, overturned on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.

“Understood that 32 people on board of which five are believed to be seriously injured (but not thought life threatening). They are being taken by ambulance/medivac to either the Southern or the RAH for treatment. Twenty five people are described as 'walking wounded'.  Emergency Services are at the scene. The A83 is closed with local diversions in place.”

The road is currently closed and diversions are in place.

A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said: "Please be advised that the road at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful is currently closed due to a serious road traffic accident involving a coach. BEAR Scotland is currently assisting emergency teams at the site. 

"A diversion route is being put in place via A82 Tarbet, A85 Crianlarich, A819 Dalmally and A83 Inverarry.  

"A further update will be issued early evening however the road is likely to be closed for some time.  Motorists are advised to check Traffic Scotland for up-to-date travel information at www.trafficscotland.org or twitter @trafficscotland."