Hearts to submit B team to Lowland League

Hearts will join Rangers and Celtic in submitting a B team to next season’s Lowland League after a vote to include three guest clubs was approved at the second attempt.

The two Glasgow clubs had youth teams in the division last term, finishing second and third behind champions Bonnyrigg Rose, who subsequently won promotion to SPFL League Two.

Lowland League clubs initially voted against the inclusion of a third guest club for the 2022-23 campaign in the shape of Hearts, but the three clubs returned with an improved financial proposition and an ultimatum that all three clubs should be admitted or none at all.

The positive vote was eventually passed on Monday evening, so there will be a 19-team league for one season only with a 36-game fixture calendar.

Hearts, Rangers and Celtic must field seven players eligible for Scotland national teams in their starting line-up, while they will provide funding to help develop the Lowland League and its clubs.

The three guest clubs are not allowed to compete in the end-ofseason promotion play-offs if they win the division.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell believes the country’s top clubs fielding youngsters in the Lowland League will aid player development.

“The Scottish FA supports the principle of elite player development and particularly providing opportunities for talented players in the key transition years from 17 to 21,” he said.

“The Scottish FA will oversee a discussion in parallel to propose and implement a long-term plan with the objectives of optimising the pyramid.”