Rangers, Celtic and Hearts B teams win Lowland League entry after sensational vote U-turn

Lowland League clubs have sensationally u-turned on a decision not to allow Rangers, Celtic and Hearts to enter B teams in next season’s fifth tier.

A vote of the member clubs had initially rejected allowing all three to join the division as guest clubs - preferring only two in keeping with last season.

But when faced with an ultimatum that it was all three or nothing, and having received assurances from the SFA, the 16 Lowland League clubs held a revote on Monday evening.

That has resulted in the door being opened to all three B teams making for a 19-club division next season, a decision set to be confirmed by the SFA imminently.

Like last year, the guest clubs will not be permitted to enter the play-off for promotion should they win the league.

Entry fees have risen from £25,000 to £40,000 per club. And assurances were given over the tightening of rules on fixture rescheduling and player eligibility.

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But their participation has still caused a split among Lowland League clubs with one furious board member of a prominent club telling Record Sport: “We were a firm no from the beginning. And that even with a hit of £20,000 to our club - £7500 from the league and the rest from three match sponsorships and