First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed the return of League 1 and 2 plus the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
The Scottish Cup will also return as some Highland League clubs are allowed to return to training for the purpose of preparing for domestic cup ties. Celtic have won the last four tournaments.
Lower league football beneath the Scottish Championship has been suspended since January as the nation continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. But with the vaccination rollout underway and infection rates falling, some teams have been allowed to return.
A date for the resumption of action has not yet been announced. For Premiership and Championship clubs, it means that Scottish Cup ties could take place this season as teams look to stop Celtic dominance, just like St Johnstone have in the League Cup.
The East, South and West of Scotland Leagues, Scottish Junior FA Leagues and North Caledonian League were also impacted by the football shutdown. But now the First Minister has confirmed some returns.
She said: “Later today, the Public Health Minister will support the resumption of competitive football in Scottish Leagues One and Two, the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 and for the purposes of playing Scottish Cup ties, certain Highland League teams. I hope this news will be welcomed by football fans across the country.”
This will be a much-needed boost for clubs who are looking to finish their shortened 27-game seasons after a late start in October. But it remains to be seen whether or not further trimming will be needed to complete the 2020/21 campaigns.