Lowland Football League#Youth competitions

Teams play each other twice in the league (home and away), receiving three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned Lowland League champions. If points are equal, goal difference, and then goals scored determines the champion. If this still does not result in a winner, the tied teams must take part in a championship play-off match at a neutral venue to determine the final placings.{{cite web |url=http://slfl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Scottish-Lowland-Football-League-Rules-Version-10.pdf |title=Scottish Lowland Football League Constitution and Rules |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=8 February 2019 |publisher=Scottish Lowland Football League |pages=16}}

Since 2014–15, promotion to the Scottish Professional Football League is via an annual play-off, beginning with the Lowland League champions facing the champions of the Highland Football League over two legs (home and away).{{Cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/playoff-dates-confirmed/|title=Playoff Dates Confirmed|last=Park|first=Michael|date=2018-03-30|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-01-16}} There is no away goals rule so if scores are equal on aggregate after full-time in the second leg, the game will go to extra time, and then penalties if required. The winners will then face a play-off against the bottom club in League Two with the same rules applying.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22862971 |title=Scottish FA approves Lowland League for next season |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 June 2013}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39905667|title=Cowdenbeath 1-1 East Kilbride AET (penalties 5-3)|date=2017-05-20|access-date=2019-01-16|language=en-GB}} If the League Two club loses the play-off final, they are relegated to the Lowland League if they are south of 56.4513N latitude (middle of the Tay Road Bridge).{{cn|date=March 2025}}

Promotion to the Lowland League is via a three match round robin play-off between the winners of the East of Scotland Football League, South of Scotland Football League, and West of Scotland Football League, subject to their respective champions meeting league membership criteria. If two clubs meet the criteria they will face each other home and away, if only one club meets the criteria they will be promoted without a play-off, however if no club meets the criteria there will be no promotion to the Lowland League.{{cite web|title=LOWER PYRAMID PLAY - OFF COMPETITION RULES|url=http://slfl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lower-Pyramid-play-off-rules-2020.pdf|access-date=8 July 2020|publisher=Lowland Football League}}

Based on the number of clubs remaining after the results of promotion to and from the league are known, the bottom and possibly second-bottom placed clubs will be relegated to the East of Scotland Football League, South of Scotland Football League, or West of Scotland Football League depending on their geographical location.{{Cite web|title=Scottish Lowland Football League Constitution and Rules|url=http://slfl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/SLFL-Rules-Version-13.pdf|access-date=8 July 2020|website=Scottish Lowland League}}

All Lowland League clubs are full members of the Scottish Football Association and qualify automatically for the first round of the Scottish Cup.

The furthest a Lowland League team has reached in the Scottish Cup is the fifth round (last 16), achieved by The Spartans in 2014–15 (lost 1–0 to Berwick Rangers in a replay),{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31423630|title=Berwick Rangers 1-0 Spartans|date=2015-02-17|website=BBC Sport|access-date=2020-02-26|language=en-gb}} East Kilbride in 2015–16 (lost 2–0 to Celtic){{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/east-kilbride-0-celtic-2-7327698|title=East Kilbride 0 Celtic 2: Hoops go through but Ronny Deila's men struggle |date=2016-02-07|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=2020-02-11}} and BSC Glasgow in 2019–20 (lost 4–1 to Hibernian).{{Cite news|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bsc-glasgow-1-hibs-4-21461492|title=BSC Glasgow 1 Hibs 4 as McNulty sinks Lowland League side - 3 talking points|last=McKay|first=Gabriel|date=2020-02-09|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=2020-02-11}}

The Lowland Football League was intended on helping institute a football pyramid including promotion and relegation from Scottish football's national divisions down to its junior and amateur levels by the Scottish Football Association.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/3710693/George-Peats-Scottish-football-pyramid-plan-quickly-bogged-down-in-political-sands.html|title=George Peat's Scottish football pyramid plan quickly bogged down in political sands|last=Forsyth|first=Roddy|date=11 December 2008|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=11 June 2013}}

The Lowland League was founded by a unanimous vote of members of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) on 11 June 2013, The league would be composed of teams drawn from the East of Scotland, South of Scotland, and junior leagues, who met on 17 June 2013 to elect between them the founder-members of the new league.{{cite news|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/229019-scottish-clubs-approve-creation-of-lowland-league-as-part-of-pyramid/ |title=Scottish clubs approve creation of Lowland League as part of pyramid |publisher=STV |date=11 June 2013}}

While most clubs were invited to submit bids to join, Preston Athletic, The Spartans and Threave Rovers were offered automatic entry as they were already fully licensed by the SFA. While 27 clubs had registered their interest, the Lowland League received 17 applications to join.{{cite news|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/229718-dozen-clubs-to-play-in-scottish-lowland-football-league-announced/ |title=Dozen clubs to play in Scottish Lowland Football League announced |work=STV |date=17 June 2013 |access-date=20 June 2013}} After the meeting on 17 June, it was announced there would be 12 teams in the league, and that they would be: Dalbeattie Star, East Kilbride, Edinburgh City, Gala Fairydean Rovers, Gretna 2008, Preston Athletic, Selkirk, The Spartans, Threave Rovers, University of Stirling, Vale of Leithen, and Whitehill Welfare.{{cite news|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=1961&newsCategoryID=3&newsID=12052 |title=Scottish Lowland Football League clubs selected |work=Scottish FA |date=17 June 2013 |access-date=17 June 2013}}

Subsequent seasons saw the number of participating clubs increase. Two clubs, Edinburgh University and BSC Glasgow, were admitted to the league for the 2014–15 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27199231 |title=Lowland League announces new members for next season |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=29 April 2014}} They were joined the following season by Cumbernauld Colts.{{cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/cumbernauld-colts-admitted-to-lowland-league/ |title=Cumbernauld Colts admitted to Lowland League |work=Lowland Football League |publisher=Lowland League |date=3 June 2015 |access-date=5 June 2015}} Civil Service Strollers and Hawick Royal Albert joined in June 2016, making it a 16-team league.

The end of the 2015–16 season was the first time that founding members would leave the league; Edinburgh City became the first club to be promoted to the SPFL, while Threave Rovers declined the opportunity to re-apply to the league after finishing bottom and rejoined the South of Scotland Football League.{{cite news|last1=Gillespie|first1=Stuart|title=Threave Rovers' South of Scotland League return confirmed after three years in the Lowland League|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/threave-rovers-south-scotland-league-8099347|access-date=10 August 2016|work=Daily Record|date=5 June 2016}} The same season also saw East Stirlingshire become the first club relegated into the league from Scottish League Two.

Another founding member would leave the league at the end of the 2016-17 season as Preston Athletic were relegated to the East of Scotland League. They were replaced by Edusport Academy who became the first club to gain promotion from the South of Scotland League.{{Cite web|title=Edusport Academy win promotion to the Lowland League|url=http://slfl.co.uk/edusport-academy-win-promotion-to-the-lowland-league/|last=Park|first=Michael|date=2017-05-02|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-06-01}}

In 2017–18 the first promotion play-off took place between the champions of the East of Scotland and South of Scotland leagues, with former SJFA East Region club Kelty Hearts winning 10–0 on aggregate over Threave Rovers to gain promotion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/threave-rovers-promotion-hopes-ended-12550626|title=No promotion for Threave|last=Gillespie|first=Stuart|date=2018-05-18|website=dailyrecord|access-date=2019-01-16}}

During the 2018–19 season Selkirk resigned their membership in the league owing to insurmountable difficulties.{{Cite news|url=http://slfl.co.uk/selkirk-fc-resign-from-scottish-lowland-league/|title=Selkirk FC Resign from Scottish Lowland League - Scottish Lowland League|date=2018-08-28|work=Scottish Lowland League|access-date=2018-09-14|language=en-GB}} It was agreed by the Lowland League board that all fixtures played by and to be played by Selkirk in 2018–19 would be expunged from the record along with any other data involving Selkirk for that season. The Lowland League moved forward with 15 clubs, however Whitehill Welfare, who finished bottom in the season's competition, were still relegated to the East of Scotland League.{{Cite web|url=http://www.whitehillwelfare.co.uk/news/lowland-league-relegation-confirmed-2413604.html|title=Lowland League Relegation Confirmed - News - Whitehill Welfare|website=www.whitehillwelfare.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-04-05}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.whitehillwelfare.co.uk/news/relegation-confirmed-2435373.html|title=Relegation Confirmed - News - Whitehill Welfare|website=www.whitehillwelfare.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-06-14}} East of Scotland champions Bonnyrigg Rose were promoted to the league after gaining their SFA membership.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk/teams/118321/news/club-announcement-bonnyrigg-rose-athletic-granted-2435339.html|title=CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT - Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic granted SFA membership - News - Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic - Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic FC|website=www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-06-14}}{{Cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/statement-promotion-and-relegation/|title=Statement - Promotion and Relegation|date=2019-06-14|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-06-14}} Berwick Rangers became the second club to be relegated into the league from the SPFL, having lost the League Two play-off against Cove Rangers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48236317|title=Berwick Rangers 0-3 Cove Rangers (agg 0-7): Cove replace Berwick in senior set-up|date=2019-05-18|access-date=2019-06-27|language=en-GB}}

At the start of the 2019–20 season Edusport Academy rebranded the club as the Caledonian Braves following a vote online by members of the Our Football Club.com project.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlleisure.co.uk/news/caledonian-braves|title=Caledonian Braves - NLL Latest News - NL Leisure|last=Marketing|website=www.nlleisure.co.uk|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-07-27}}{{Cite web|url=https://ourfootballclub.com/|title=Home|website=Our Football Club|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-07-27}} The 2019–20 league season was suspended on 13 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/coronavirus-joint-response-group-update/|title=Coronavirus : Joint Response Group Update|last=Team|first=Media|date=2020-03-13|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-13}} A month later, the competition was ended with immediate effect with Kelty Hearts being declared champions on a points per game average based on the current standings.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52274091|title=Kelty Hearts named champions as Lowland League called early|date=2020-04-13|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2020-04-13|language=en-gb}} Vale of Leithen who were bottom of the league were also spared relegation.{{Cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/season-ends-with-immediate-effect-kelty-hearts-crowned-as-champions/|title=Season Ends With Immediate Effect - Kelty Hearts crowned as champions|date=2020-04-13|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-13}}

On 14 April 2020, the Lowland League announced it had approved 67 applications to join the new West of Scotland Football League, which included all 63 clubs from the Scottish Junior Football Association's West Region, and four others. Bonnyton Thistle already a member of the South of Scotland League decided to move due to being based in Kilmarnock.{{Cite web|title=Pyramid Update - 67 Applications Approved|url=http://slfl.co.uk/pyramid-update-67-applications-approved/|date=2020-04-14|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-07}} The West of Scotland League acts as a feeder league on the same tier as the East of Scotland Football League and South of Scotland Football League.

The league consisted of 17 teams for the 2020–21 season with East of Scotland champions Bo'ness United being promoted after gaining their SFA membership in June 2020.{{Cite web|title=Linlithgow Rose boss Brown Ferguson applauds Lowland League for authorising Bo'ness United promotion|url=https://www.linlithgowgazette.co.uk/sport/football/international/linlithgow-rose-boss-brown-ferguson-applauds-lowland-league-authorising-boness-united-promotion-2888567|access-date=2020-06-19|website=www.linlithgowgazette.co.uk|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Day of destiny as Bo'ness Utd set for Lowland League place|url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/international/day-destiny-boness-utd-set-lowland-league-place-2888550|access-date=2020-06-19|website=www.falkirkherald.co.uk|language=en}} The start of the league season was delayed until October 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and games were played behind closed doors due to Scottish Government restrictions. On 11 January 2021 the league was suspended by the Scottish Football Association due to the escalating pandemic situation.{{Cite web|title=Scottish FA Board confirms three-week suspension of professional football beneath SPFL Championship {{!}} Scottish FA|url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-fa-board-confirms-three-week-suspension-of-professional-football-beneath-spfl-championship/?rid=13929|access-date=2021-03-10|website=www.scottishfa.co.uk}} On 30 March the league announced that a majority of clubs had voted to curtail the season, with a points per game basis used to finalise standings and Kelty Hearts were declared as the champions. Kelty became the second Lowland League club to gain promotion to the SPFL after beating Brechin City 3–1 on aggregate in the Pyramid play-off final.

Celtic and Rangers were approached by the Lowland League for a proposal to admit "B" teams (also known as "Colt" teams) into the league for the 2021–22 season.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-05|title=Discussions to invite Rangers and Celtic 'B' teams|url=http://slfl.co.uk/discussions-to-invite-rangers-and-celtic-b-teams/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB}} The proposal was given provisional approval by the majority of member clubs with the vote being confirmed at the leagues AGM on 27 May 2021.{{Cite news|title=Lowland sides 'approve' Old Firm colts|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57059711|access-date=2021-05-27}}{{Cite web|date=2021-05-27|title=Rangers and Celtic 'B' admitted into Lowland League|url=http://slfl.co.uk/rangers-and-celtic-b-admitted-into-lowland-league/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=Pirie|first=Mark|date=2021-05-27|title=Rangers and Celtic B teams Lowland League entry rubber stamped|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-celtic-b-teams-lowland-24200871|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Daily Record|language=en}} This arrangement was renewed for the 2022–23 season,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60993856 |title=Celtic and Rangers B teams to continue in Lowland League for second season |website=BBC Sport |date=5 April 2022 |accessdate=5 April 2022}} with Hearts also providing a B team.{{cite web |url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/lowland-league-guest-club-and-pyramid-proposal/?rid=13929 |title=Lowland League guest club and pyramid proposal |website=www.scottishfa.co.uk |publisher=Scottish Football Association |date=7 June 2022 |accessdate=7 June 2022}} Celtic and Hearts continued for the 2023–24 season however Rangers withdrew their entry in June 2023.{{Cite news |title=Rangers withdraw B team from Lowland League |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65911091 |access-date=2023-06-16}}

{{Location map+ |Scotland South|width=600 |float=right |caption=Location of teams in 2025–26 Scottish Lowland Football League |places=

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.853203 |long=-4.013114 |label=Albion Rovers|position=left}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.76 |long=-2.01599 |label=Berwick Rangers |position=left}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=56.009440 |long=-3.611632 |label=Bo'ness |position=top}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.8747 |long=-3.1033 |label=Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.938257 |long=-3.468250 |label=Broxburn Athletic |position=left}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.80081 |long=-4.04872 |label=Caledonian Braves |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South|marksize=6 |lat=55.853782 |long=-3.960586 |label=Celtic B|position=right}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.976238 |long=-3.259158 |label=CS Strollers |position=top}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.89252 |long=-4.39195 |label=Clydebank|position=left}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South|marksize=6 |lat=56.116320 |long=-3.511632 |label=Cowdenbeath|position=right}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.937769 |long=-4.0295161 |label=Cumbernauld Colts|position=left}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=56.000685 |long=-3.7546577 |label=East Stirlingshire|position=left}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.606125 |long=-2.783503 |label=Gala Fairydean Rovers |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=54.993693 |long=-3.072656 |label=Gretna 2008 |position=right}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.971659 |long=-3.232638 |label=Hearts B |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.972704 |long=-3.612427 |label=Linlithgow Rose |position=right}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=55.94442 |long=-2.94866 |label=Tranent |position=right}}

{{Location map~ |Scotland South |marksize=6 |lat=56.129959 |long=-3.912692 |label=University of Stirling |position=left}}

}}

;Notes

{{notelist-la}}

All grounds are equipped with floodlights.

;Promoted to the SPFL

• Edinburgh City, 2016; ({{Scottish football updater|EdinCity}})
• Kelty Hearts, 2021; ({{Scottish football updater|KeltyHea}})
• The Spartans, 2023; ({{Scottish football updater|Spartans}})
• East Kilbride, 2025; ({{Scottish football updater|EKilbrid}})

;Relegated

• Preston Athletic, 2017; ({{Scottish football updater|PrestonA}})
• Hawick Royal Albert United, 2018; ({{Scottish football updater|HawickRA}})
• Whitehill Welfare, 2019; ({{Scottish football updater|WhitWelf}})
• Vale of Leithen, 2022; ({{Scottish football updater|ValeLeit}})
• Dalbeattie Star, 2023; ({{Scottish football updater|Dalbeatt}})
• Edinburgh University, 2024; ({{Scottish football updater|EdinUniv}})
• Broomhill, 2025; (Folded)

;Resigned

• Threave Rovers, 2016; ({{Scottish football updater|ThreaveR}})
• Selkirk, 2018; (Folded)
• Rangers B, 2023; (Withdrew)

:* Team promoted to Scottish League Two

:^R Relegated team from previous season's Scottish League Two

:^I Invited rather than promoted from lower tier in traditional manner

:^PO Winner of previous season's promotion playoff

:^E Team relegated to or promoted from the East of Scotland Football League

:^S Team relegated to or promoted from the South of Scotland Football League

† Season curtailed due to COVID-19 pandemic - Kelty were announced as champions for the 2019-20 and 2020–21 season. A points per game basis was used to finalise standings.{{Cite web|last=Team|first=Media|date=2021-03-30|title=Finalising season 2020/21|url=http://slfl.co.uk/finalising-season-2020-21/|access-date=2021-03-31|website=Scottish Lowland League}}

{{notelist}}

;Biggest home win: Hearts B 12-0 Edinburgh University, 5 January 2024

;Biggest away win: Vale of Leithen 0–13 Bonnyrigg Rose, 6 October 2021

;Most goals in a game: The Spartans 11–2 Selkirk, 7 December 2013{{Cite web|url=http://www.spartansfc.com/2013/12/07/goal-fest-sees-spartans-shell-shock-selkirk-in-11-2-rout/|title=Goal-fest sees Spartans shell-shock Selkirk in 11-2 rout {{!}} The Spartans FC Official Website – Live together. Play together. Win together.|access-date=2020-01-20}}

;Most points in a season: 87; Bonnyrigg Rose, 2021-22

;Fewest points in a season: 5; Selkirk, 2013-14 and Vale of Leithen, 2021-22{{efn|Inaugural league season which consisted of 12 teams. Hawick Royal Albert's 6 points from 30 games in 2017-18 is fewer points per game.}} (0; Vale of Leithen, 2020-21{{efn|name=covid|2020-21 Season curtailed due to COVID-19 pandemic with fewer than 50% of matches played.}})

;Longest unbeaten run in a season: 21; Kelty Hearts, 2019–20

;Most wins in a season: 28; Bonnyrigg Rose, 2021-22

;Fewest wins in a season: 1; Hawick Royal Albert, 2017-18, Vale of Leithen, 2021-22, Dalbeattie Star, 2022-23 (0; Vale of Leithen, 2020-21{{efn|name=covid}})

;Most draws in a season: 12; Cowdenbeath, 2024-25

;Most defeats in a season: 31; Vale of Leithen, 2021-22

;Fewest defeats in a season:1; Edinburgh City, 2014-15 and Kelty Hearts, 2019-20

;Most goals scored in a season: 114; East Kilbride, 2024-25

;Fewest goals scored in a season: 10; Vale of Leithen, 2021-22 (5; Vale of Leithen, 2020-21{{efn|name=covid}})

;Most goals conceded in a season: 166; Vale of Leithen, 2021-22

;Fewest goals conceded in a season: 12; East Kilbride, 2018-19 (4; Kelty Hearts, 2020-21{{efn|name=covid}})

;Notes

{{notelist}}

Dougie Samuel is the most successful manager of the Lowland League having won three league titles with Spartans.{{Cite web|title=New Spartans boss Samuel praises Uni for first chance|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/new-spartans-boss-samuel-praises-uni-first-chance-1623627|access-date=2020-09-03|website=www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com|language=en}} Spartans won the inaugural league title during the 2013-14 season,{{Cite news|title=Spartans win first Lowland League|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27092263|access-date=2020-09-03}} clinched their second title in 2018,{{Cite web|last=Park|first=Michael|date=2018-04-15|title=THE SPARTANS ARE CHAMPIONS!|url=http://slfl.co.uk/the-spartans-are-champions/|access-date=2020-09-03|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB}} and third title in 2023, as well as winning promotion to the SPFL.{{Cite web |last=Robson |first=Ian |date=2023-04-15 |title=The Spartans have won the 2022/23 Park's Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League. |url=https://slfl.co.uk/the-spartans-have-won-the-2022-23-parks-motor-group-scottish-lowland-football-league/ |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=Scottish Lowland League |language=en-GB}}

Gary Jardine, Barry Ferguson, and Robbie Horn have also guided their clubs to promotion to the SPFL after winning the Lowland League.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Mike|date=2018-05-23|title=Strollers Appoint Gary Jardine as Manager|url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2018/05/strollers-appoint-gary-jardine-as-manager/|access-date=2020-09-03|website=The Edinburgh Reporter|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Mair|first=Steven|date=2021-05-23|title=Barry Ferguson's Kelty Hearts promoted to Scottish Professional Football League|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/barry-ferguson-kelty-hearts-seal-24168010|access-date=2021-05-23|website=Daily Record|language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Bonnyrigg Rose celebrate historic promotion to SPFL after seeing off Cowdenbeath |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/bonnyrigg-rose-celebrate-historic-promotion-to-spfl-after-seeing-off-cowdenbeath-3694371 |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com |language=en}}

East Kilbride have won the title a record four times with different managers, Martin Lauchlan in 2017,{{Cite web|last=Thomson|first=Paul|date=2017-04-01|title=East Kilbride are Lowland League champions after thumping win at Gala|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/east-kilbride-lowland-league-champions-10137822|access-date=2020-09-03|website=Daily Record}} Stuart Malcolm in 2019,{{Cite web|title=East Kilbride clinch Lowland League title with win over Spartans|url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/east-kilbride-clinch-lowland-league-title-win-over-spartans-549092|access-date=2020-09-03|website=www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Thomson|first=Paul|date=2019-11-14|title=Forfar boss Stuart Malcolm on his regrets and achievements at East Kilbride|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/forfar-boss-stuart-malcolm-regrets-20872607|access-date=2020-09-03|website=Daily Record}} and Mick Kennedy in 2024 and 2025.{{Cite web |last=Thomson |first=Paul |date=2024-04-16 |title=East Kilbride celebrate Lowland title win but boss knows job is only half done |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/east-kilbride-celebrate-lowland-league-32595252 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Daily Record |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Thomson |first=Paul |date=2025-04-03 |title=EK wrap up Lowland League title with players 'dead on their feet', says Kennedy |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/east-kilbride-beat-celtic-b-34985254 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Daily Record |language=en}}

|-

| {{sort|Scotland|{{flagicon|SCO}}}} || {{sortname|Robbie|Horn}} || Tranent || {{dts|format=dmy|2025|4|8}} || {{ayd|2025|4|8}}

|-

| {{sort|Scotland|{{flagicon|SCO}}}} || {{sortname|Paul|McLean|Paul_McLean_ (footballer, born 1990)}} || Cowdenbeath || {{dts|format=dmy|2025|4|28}} || {{ayd|2025|4|28}}

|}

The Lowlands Development League operates for the Under 20s youth teams of clubs in the Lowland, East of Scotland, South of Scotland and West of Scotland leagues, along with other invited SPFL clubs. Originally named the Lowland and East of Scotland Under 20 Development League when it began in 2014, this replaced an earlier Under 19 league run by the East of Scotland League. Matches are normally played on Friday nights.

The Under 20s league expanded to 31 teams for the 2019–20 season, split into two conferences, having already increased in size from 13 to 23 teams thanks to the addition of new clubs to the East of Scotland League in 2018–19. A year later, the aborted 2020–21 season saw numbers increase to 68 along with the addition of three West Conferences due to the introduction of the West of Scotland League within the Scottish football pyramid.{{Cite web|title=Lowland Development League update|url=https://twitter.com/officialslfl/status/1272913132021833729|access-date=2020-06-16|website=Twitter|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=A further update ahead of the 2020/21 Development League|url=https://twitter.com/officialslfl/status/1277992777805172737/photo/1|access-date=2020-06-30|website=Twitter|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Muir|first=Matthew|title=Lowlands Development Teams Confirmed as League Set-Up is Revealed|url=http://www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk/component/k2/item/21225-lowlands-development-teams-confirmed-as-league-set-up-is-revealed.html|access-date=2020-07-02|website=www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk|language=en-gb}}

For the 2021–22 season, a record number of 88 clubs are taking part, split across six Conferences.{{cite web |title=Lowlands Development League 2021/22 |url=http://slfl.co.uk/lowlands-development-league-2021-22/ |website=Scottish Lowland League |date=7 June 2021 |access-date=7 June 2021}} Petershill, Kilwinning Rangers, and Darvel later withdrew their team from the Development League.{{Cite web|title=We can confirm that Petershill u20s have withdrawn from this season's competition|url=https://twitter.com/officialsldfl/status/1422200470987235332|access-date=2021-08-16|website=Twitter|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Regretfully, Kilwinning have withdrawn from Conference F, and their results will be removed and reflected in the updated table.|url=https://twitter.com/officialsldfl/status/1446465755185287177|access-date=2021-10-16|website=Twitter|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Regretfully, Darvel have withdrawn from Conference F|url=https://twitter.com/officialsldfl/status/1447912189055148038|access-date=2021-10-16|website=Twitter|language=en}}

Ahead of the 2023-24 season - the development leagues were separated and are now governed by their own respective leagues. The Scottish Lowlands Development Football League previously consisted of 14 clubs (Edinburgh City later withdrew) in only one division with a mixture of SPFL and Lowland League clubs.{{Cite web |title=Season 2023/24 of the SLDFL kicks off |url=https://twitter.com/OfficialSLDFL/status/1673586969547268097 |website=Scottish Lowlands Development Football League}} 12 teams are competing in the league for the 2024-25 season.{{Cite web |title=The first SLDFL league table of the 24/25 campaign. |url=https://x.com/OfficialSLDFL/status/1822024047909335305 |website=The official Twitter account of the Scottish Lowlands Development Football League.}}

{{col-begin}}

{{Col-3}}

;Scottish Lowlands Development Football League

• Alloa Athletic
• Bo'ness United
• Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
• Caledonian Braves
• Cumbernauld Colts
• East Fife
• Kelty Hearts
• Linlithgow Rose
• Stirling Albion
• The Spartans
• Tranent
• University of Stirling

{{Col-3}}

{{col-end}}

These clubs also take part in two cup competitions for both the Eastern and Western conferences, as well as a combined challenge cup. Prior to it becoming a competition for Under 18 teams in 2018 many also competed in the annual SFA Scottish Youth Cup.

The Spartans won the first Lowlands Development League title in 2015.{{Cite web|title=2014-2015 Under 20 League - League tables - East of Scotland Football Association & League|url=https://www.eosfl.com/item.php?pg=league&pd=1049&fsea=all&fexpand=&it=79|access-date=2021-02-10|website=www.eosfl.com}} The title was then won by Preston Athletic in 2016,{{Cite web|title=2015-2016 Under 20 League - League tables - East of Scotland Football Association & League|url=https://www.eosfl.com/item.php?pg=league&pd=1049&fsea=all&fexpand=&it=103|access-date=2021-02-10|website=www.eosfl.com}} East Kilbride in 2017,{{Cite web|title=2016-2017 Under 20 League - League tables - East of Scotland Football Association & League|url=https://www.eosfl.com/item.php?pg=league&pd=1049&fsea=all&fexpand=&it=126|access-date=2021-02-10|website=www.eosfl.com}} and Heriot-Watt University in 2018.{{Cite web|title=2017-2018 Under 20 League - League tables - East of Scotland Football Association & League|url=https://www.eosfl.com/item.php?pg=league&pd=1049&fsea=all&fexpand=&it=148|access-date=2021-02-10|website=www.eosfl.com}}

From the 2018–19 season, the league was split into two conferences. Conference B winners Spartans won their second title after beating Conference A winners Kelty Hearts in a play-off match which determined the overall league champions.{{Cite web|title=It's Title-tastic for triumphant Spartans 20s who seal silverware quartet {{!}} The Spartans FC Official Website – Live together. Play together. Win together.|url=http://www.spartansfc.com/2019/06/06/its-title-tastic-for-triumphant-spartans-20s-who-seal-silverware-quartet/|access-date=2021-02-10}}

Edinburgh City were declared champions of Conference A and University of Stirling champions of Conference B after the 2019–20 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Club|first=University of Stirling Football|date=2020-04-14|title=Congratulations boys pic.twitter.com/820ABCxp5M|url=https://twitter.com/StirlingUniFC/status/1250137289944162305|access-date=2020-05-06|website=@StirlingUniFC|language=en}}

There was no league champion for 2020–21 as the season did not start due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Team|first=Media|date=2021-02-06|title=Scottish Lowlands Development League will not start|url=http://slfl.co.uk/scottish-lowlands-development-league-will-not-start/|access-date=2021-02-06|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB}}

The competition is a 16 team straight knock-out tournament between member clubs, excluding B teams. The league champion previously had the right to withdraw from the competition to concentrate on the Scottish League Two play-offs, however, the competition is now played out earlier in the season rather than over four weekends at the end of the league campaign.

|University of Stirling

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|5–2{{Cite web|url=https://www.stir.ac.uk/footballclub/report/2013-14/270414lowlandleaguecupfinal/|title = Student sport | Student life}}

|Preston Athletic

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2014–15|2014–15|}}

|East Kilbride

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|3–1{{Cite web|url=http://gretnafc2008.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/gretna-fc-2008-1-east-kilbride-3.html?spref=tw|title = Gretna FC 2008: Gretna Fc 2008 1 East Kilbride 3|date = 17 May 2015}}

|Gretna 2008

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2015–16|2015–16|}}

|East Kilbride (2)

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|0–0 AET
4–2 on penalties{{Cite web|url=http://www.pieandbovril.com/forum/index.php?/topic/230937-lowland-league-cup-final/|title = Lowland League Cup Final| date=16 May 2016 }}

|Gretna 2008

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2016–17|2016–17|}}

|The Spartans

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|3–0{{cite web |url=http://www.bscglasgow.co.uk/bscglasgownews/bsc-glasgow-0-spartans-3-22-05-17.html |title=BSC Beaten by Spartans in Lowland League Cup Final {{!}} BSC Glasgow |website=www.bscglasgow.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806100205/http://www.bscglasgow.co.uk/bscglasgownews/bsc-glasgow-0-spartans-3-22-05-17.html |archive-date=2017-08-06}}

|BSC Glasgow

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2017–18|2017–18|}}

|Cumbernauld Colts

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|3–1{{Cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/tournament/ferrari-packaging-lowland-league-cup/|title=The Lowland League Cup}}

|Selkirk

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2018–19|2018–19|}}

|BSC Glasgow

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|2–1{{Cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/lowland-league-cup-final-details/|title=Lowland League Cup Final Details|date=14 May 2019}}

|East Stirlingshire

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2019–20|2019–20|}}

|colspan=3 align=center|No competition

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2020–21|2020–21|}}

|colspan=3 align=center|No competition

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2021–22|2021–22|}}

|East Kilbride (3)

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|4–2

|Bo'ness United

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2022–23|2022–23|}}

|East Kilbride (4)

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|2–2 AET
5–4 on penalties{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/OfficialSLFL/status/1660317162777526273|title = Congratulations to Kilby|website=Twitter |access-date=21 May 2023}}

|Bo'ness United

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2023–24|2023–24|}}

|Tranent

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|2–2 AET
5–4 on penalties{{cite web |url=https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/24237068.kelby-mason-hero-tranent-lift-lowland-league-cup/|title = Kelby Mason the hero as Tranent lift Lowland League Cup|website=East Lothian Courier |access-date=19 April 2024}}

|East Kilbride

|-

|align=center|{{sort|2024–25|2024–25|}}

|East Kilbride (5)

|style="background-color:#FBCEB1" align=center|3–1{{cite web |url=https://x.com/OfficialSLFL/status/1906389147083784468|title = Congratulations to East Kilbride who take the Park’s Motor Group Lowland League Cup back to K Park following a 3-1 victory over Bo’ness United!|website=X |access-date=30 March 2025}}

|Bo'ness United

|}

On 24 September 2013, the Scottish Sun newspaper announced it was sponsoring the league.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24204580|title=Drive to attract sponsor takes time, says SFA chief Stewart Regan|date=2013-09-23|access-date=2020-01-09|language=en-GB}} The league was then sponsored by Ferrari Packaging on a two-year agreement, which was extended to cover the 2017–18 season.{{cite news|last1=Thomson|first1=Paul|title=East Kilbride packaging firm wrap up sponsorship deal with Lowland League|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/east-kilbride-packaging-firm-wrap-6163569#h3vld4BgvbuReH4M.97|access-date=27 May 2016|work=Daily Record|date=30 July 2015|location=Glasgow}} In August 2018, GeoSonic, the Alloa-based sonic drilling contractor, concluded a one-year deal to become the new title sponsor of the Scottish Lowland Football League for the 2018-19 season.{{Cite news|date=2018-08-24|title=Lowland League Announces New Title Sponsor - Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|work=Scottish Lowland League|url=http://slfl.co.uk/lowland-league-announces-new-title-sponsor/|access-date=2018-09-14}} On 4 March 2022, Clarke ePOS was announced as the league's title sponsor until the end of the 2022–23 season, however, the partnership was ended in August 2022.{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Media |date=2022-03-04 |title=Clarke ePOS announced as SLFL title sponsor |url=http://slfl.co.uk/clarke-epos-announced-as-slfl-title-sponsor/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=Clarke ePOS Scottish Lowland League |language=en-GB}} The league announced a two year official naming partnership with Park's Motor Group in December 2022.{{Cite web |last=Robson |first=Ian |date=2022-12-02 |title=Partnership with Park's Motor Group |url=https://slfl.co.uk/partnership-with-parks-motor-group/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Scottish Lowland League |language=en-GB}}

The league has its own podcast known as The Lowland League Catchup.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/officialcatchup|title=Lowland League Catchup (@OfficialCatchup) {{!}} Twitter|website=twitter.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-27}} As well as weekly previews to games, and reviews known as the Roundup.{{Cite web|url=http://slfl.co.uk/news/|title=News - Scottish Lowland League|website=Scottish Lowland League|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-09-29}}

On 19 September 2018, the SLFL agreed a comprehensive media partnership with RockSport Radio but this has since ended.{{Cite news|url=http://slfl.co.uk/lowland-league-rocksport-sign-media-partnership/|title=Lowland League & Rocksport Sign Media Partnership - Scottish Lowland League|date=2018-09-19|work=Scottish Lowland League|access-date=2018-09-21|language=en-GB}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://slfl.co.uk/ Official website]
• [https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSLFL/ Facebook]
• [https://twitter.com/OfficialSLFL/ Twitter]

{{Lowland League}}

{{Football in Scotland}}

5

Category:2013 establishments in Scotland

Category:Sports leagues established in 2013

Category:Football in the Scottish Borders

Category:Football in Edinburgh

Category:Football in Glasgow

Category:Football in Stirling (council area)

Category:Football in Dumfries and Galloway

Category:Football in East Lothian

Category:Football in South Lanarkshire

Category:Football in Midlothian

Sco

Category:Professional sports leagues in the United Kingdom

Category:Scottish Lowlands