Celtic B will take part in the Lowland League for the fifth consecutive season after the list of competing clubs for the 2025/26 campaign was confirmed on Wednesday night.
Despite ongoing criticism and controversy from some corners of the Scottish football pyramid, the inclusion of Premiership B teams in the fifth tier looks set to continue. Celtic will be joined this year by Hearts B, with Rangers having pulled out of the competition a few seasons ago.
Celtic B are coming off the back of a strong season, having finished second in the league behind East Kilbride. That success has not quieted the debate around their presence, however, with a number of Lowland League clubs and fans continuing to voice concerns about the integrity of the competition and the role of B teams within it.
The stage is set… the preparation begins… this is the Scottish Lowland Football League 2025/26! pic.twitter.com/8BR2Fj50Ni
— The Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland League (@OfficialSLFL) May 26, 2025
This year’s league sees some fresh changes. Bonnyrigg Rose drop down from the SPFL after losing their League Two status, while East Kilbride go the other way after earning promotion. Clydebank are also set to make their Lowland League debut after promotion, replacing Broomhill who were relegated.
The inclusion of Celtic B remains a divisive issue. Critics argue it undermines the spirit of the pyramid, while supporters see it as an important development tool for the club’s young talent. For Celtic, the league provides regular football for emerging prospects, bridging the gap between youth levels and the first team, but you can argue how successful that has actually been.
