RANGERS, Celtic, and Hearts B teams have all been admitted to take part in the Lowland League next season after a voting U-turn.
Voting clubs were split but initially had a majority vote to keep only Celtic and Rangers B teams in the league, thus remaining the same as last season.
However, after deliberation with the SFA and being told that the options were all three teams or nothing, a re-vote saw an outcome change.
Some rules vary for these clubs thanks to their nature as guest clubs, for example, should they make a playoff place in the league they will not be permitted to take part as they cannot be promoted.
Entry fees have risen to £40,000 from £25,000 per club in a now 19-team league, and the SFA have given assurances to voting clubs on rule tightening around player eligibility and fixture rescheduling for the guest clubs.
Celtic and Rangers' B teams joined the Lowland League last season, in an agreement that was to initially only last one season.
Rangers and Celtic B finished in second and third place respectively, and it was agreed their two spots in the league would carry on to next season.
When Hearts also put forward their second side, the clubs in the fifth tier gave a firm no, causing the three guest clubs to band together and offer an ultimatum.
Hearts manager Robbie Nielson has expressed his support for having the young team in the Lowland League.
He said: “I support a platform for the young players to go and play. We have not had a reserve league for a number of years and it’s really hindered the development of these players.
“We have had to find loan deals to put them out but we have no control over what happens there - how they play, how they train, the environment they are in.”
Neilson says he would be “delighted” if Hearts B could make the cut, and such an outcome is due to be confirmed imminently.
