Hearts join Celtic and Rangers in 19-team Lowland League as restructure talks begin on B teams

It comes after the 16 member clubs voted 8-8 in a secret ballot last night on a proposal to accept the trio. But it is a one-season arrangement only and talks have now started on a pyramid restructure to address concerns about B team participation.

The Scottish FA has confirmed that the three guest clubs are required to field seven players eligible for Scotland national teams in the starting line-up. Each guest club will also have to “provide funding to help develop the league and its clubs”.

The national governing body will also lead on a review of the pyramid structure, with recommendations proposed ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The governing body said in a statement: “In addition, the respective league bodies have agreed to participate in the Scottish FA's pyramid working group discussions aimed at providing a longer-term solution to optimise the structure and aid the transition of talented players between the ages of 17 and 21.”

Hearts B are expected to play home matches at Ferguson Park, Rosewell, home of East of Scotland League club Whitehill Welfare. Along with Celtic and Rangers, they will pay an entry fee of £40,000, an increase on the £25,000 that Celtic and Rangers were charged last season.

Member clubs had previously dismissed the idea, initially voting to permit only two guest teams in keeping with last season and then rejecting a 19-team league when three expressed an interest. But when faced with an ultimatum that it was all three or none, the issue was put to another vote last night.

Cowdenbeath and Tranent were able to vote for the first time as new members, with Bonnyrigg Rose and Vale of Leithen having stepped down after promotion and relegation.

Tranent and Civil Service Strollers have confirmed that