Celtic and Rangers B teams to remain in Lowland League

Celtic and Rangers B will remain in the Lowland League next season after the majority of clubs voted in favour of keeping them in the fifth tier.

'Colt' sides for both Old Firm clubs have been competing in the division this season after the proposal of a pilot scheme was voted through last year.

Lowland League clubs voted 11-4 in favour of allowing them to continue as guest teams who are not allowed to be promoted or relegated from the division.

The concept of B teams has been met with wider criticism in recent years with many suggesting it will assist the bigger clubs in hoarding young talent.

A statement from the Lowland League read: "The member clubs of the Scottish Lowland Football League tonight voted on the potential inclusion of guest clubs for season 2022/23.

"A comfortable majority of 11-4 indicated a preference for their involvement, having taken two weeks to weigh up a presentation on the topic.

"While conscious it is, understandably, a divisive and emotive subject, the overriding feeling is their presence has been of benefit in a commercial sense while there are promising early indications of young, emerging Scottish talents benefiting from early exposure to senior football in a competitive environment.

"It is important to note that guest clubs will not be eligible for promotion. Nor will they hamper the ability of clubs to be promoted to or relegated from the Lowland League.

"This has been a democratic process, with conversation and debate encouraged before any outcome was established.

"The board of the SLFL, and member clubs, remain committed to making a positive impact within our communities and Scottish football as a whole, and will maintain an open mind to any initiatives that support those aims."