Rangers and Celtic B teams STAY in Lowland League as 'comfortable majority' insist participation has been beneficial

Rangers and Celtic B teams are set to remain in the Lowland League after the majority of clubs voted in favour of their continued participation in the fifth tier.

The reserve sides have spent this season taking on opposition down the pyramid in what was billed a pilot scheme last season to develop young Scottish players and potentially benefit the national team further down the line.

Critics saw it as a way for big clubs to hoard talent but despite their arguments clubs have voted for participation to continue for the 2022-23 term as the Premiership giants' status as "guest clubs" was permitted to continue on Monday night – though they will still not be permitted to be promoted or relegated in line with similar setups across Europe.

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