by Chris Pow from Official Catchup
The 2025-26 Lowland League season is almost upon us and it will be the final Lowland League season before it splits into two divisions – Lowland League East & Lowland League West, ahead of 2026-27.
Due to the split, there will be no relegation this season, which creates an interesting dynamic, from top to bottom. With no fear of relegation, teams at the bottom have some breathing space, a chance to try out younger players, and possibly build, or perhaps save some finances. With the perceivable harder task it will become in the near future. the teams expected to challenge at the top, will be pushing for promotion to the SPFL, more now than ever.
Albion Rovers
It’s difficult to fully assess Rovers at the moment, as we anticipate more signing news ahead of the opening league fixture against Cumbernauld Colts.
As it stands, Rovers lost the majority of their squad that finished an impressive 6th last season, with only Rovers legend and club captain Alan Reid, Barry Duncan, and Nathan Brown, remaining at Cliftonhill. Conor Duffy, Devan McColl, and Tylar Denholm have returned to Rovers for this season, after previous spells, with young keeper Alfie Halliwell joining on loan from Rangers. Barry Campbell joins from Greenock Morton, and Chris Neeson joins from Hamilton Accies, respectively. Midfielder, Daniel Hunter, comes back to the Lowland League, after spells with Broomhill and Cumbernauld Colts, and Sonny Aluko, joins from fellow Lowland League side, Civil Service Strollers.
There was real worry for Rovers going into this season, with the club rumoured to be on the verge of financial collapse, and budgets severely restricted. Rovers manager Sandy Clark and assistant George Paterson deserve massive credit for the job they’ve done so far, as they approach 100 games in charge of the clubs. It’s not been an easy ride, with fans voicing their discontent at some of the shareholders, however, credit to the Rovers fans, who have continued to back the team, despite everything going on behind the scenes.
At the moment, the squad isn’t anything too impressive, mainly due to numbers, but if Sandy Clark managing in the Lowland League has taught us anything, he knows how to get the best out of his players, and push them higher than expected. Alan Reid’s experience and leadership will be pivotal this season, as he approaches the all time appearance record for Rovers, which currently stands at 493 games, set way back in 1936 by Murdy Walls.
Berwick Rangers
If the ‘Dream Team’ are going to be successful this season, there’s one thing they definitely need to improve on from last year, and that’s the amount of goals they score. They averaged less than 1 goal per game last season, scoring only 32 goals in 34 league games, the worst goals for margin of any team in the league, finishing 16th.
Wee Gers manager Kevin Haynes is likely highly aware of these issues and as a sign he’s keen to add more goals to the side, forwards, Greg Binnie and Mikey Mbewe come in from Penicuik Athletic, while Taylor Hendry transfers from former club Dunbar United, with midfielder Liam Gregory also linking up with his former gaffer at Dunbar. Strengthening in other areas, goalkeeper Liam Campbell moves from Bo’ness United to add competition for Calum Antell’s number 1 jersey. Mark McConnell and Ben McCrystal move permanently after successful loan spells last season, and defenders, Callum Pitt (Edinburgh City), and Struan Mair (Gala Fairydean Rovers) also sign on at Shielfield for the upcoming season.
The surprise retirement of Borderer’s favourite Lewy Barr recently is a massive loss, however, the return of Callum Mackay, who missed the whole of last season through injury, is a boost. It’s difficult to place Berwick, on paper, they have a solid squad, with proven Lowland League players like Calum Antell, Jamie Pyper, Alfie Robinson, Scott-Taylor Mackenzie, Mark McConnell, and Liam Buchanan, but the lack of goals last season, plus where the club finished, and knowing how much other clubs have improved ahead of this campaign, makes me come to the conclusion that Berwick may find themselves in the bottom half once again.
It’s been said before, but in hindsight, there was maybe an over reliance on Liam Buchanan to score goals in previous seasons, and now with Liam taking a step back into a player/coach role, Berwick desperately need someone to step up on the goals front. If they can crack that this season, they might surprise people. It wasn’t that long ago, Berwick were considered a dark horse in terms of challenging for the league title.
Bo’ness United
I think for most people, Bo’ness United had a disappointing season last time round, finishing 12th. When they finished 3rd, the season before last, some of us might have been thinking – we might have another team challenging here. But the BUs couldn’t repeat the feat. Consistency was a massive issue in the league, but having said that, they did make it to another Lowland League Cup Final, their third in four years, again losing to East Kilbride.
There’s been a bit of an overhaul by manager Stuart Hunter for the upcoming season, bringing in Ben Fry (Pollok), Aldin El-Zubaidi (Darvel), Mark McLuckie (St Cadoc’s), Roan Fitzpatrick (Rutherglen Glencairn), Cameron Mulvanny (Gretna FC 2008), Jack Hodge (Stirling Uni), Jamie Watson (Berwick Rangers), as well as Kodi McKinstray from Stirling Albion, and Jordan Armstrong from Peterhead, respectively.
Many of Hunter’s new signings, outwith those signing directly from Lowland League clubs obviously, have played in the Lowland League before, so there’s no question of whether they are ready for the step up to tier 5, but it’s still difficult to place the BUs, especially with the teams that will be challenging strengthening their playing squads heavily. I don’t personally put Bo’ness United in the bracket of challengers, however, I would anticipate a better finish than 12th, but midtable, pushing top half, is likely a fair assessment at the moment.
A lot depends on Kieran Mitchell, who will be the BUs key forward for me this season. Kieran is a solid player, and contributes to the team massively, whether it’s scoring goals or creating chances. Sadly, he’s had his fair share of injury woes during his time at Newtown Park and we can only hope he manages to stay fit for the majority of the campaign this time around and help Bo’ness United push on.
Bonnyrigg Rose
There’s a tendency to think the relegated SPFL team will not be up to much, and will fall away into midtable mediocrity, like we’ve seen in past seasons, however, the former Lowland League champions are different, they should still considered in the bracket of challengers, simply because of the strength of their current squad.
Rose have retained key players such as Kerr Young, Neil Martynuik, Callum Connolly, and Lee Currie, who have very little to prove at this level, having won the Lowland League previously. Add in players like Kieran Somerville and Cammie Ross too, and you already have a strong contender. Rose manager Jonny Stewart has also strengthened his team with goalkeeper Ross Connelly coming in from Albion Rovers, and Kallum Higginbotham returning to the club from East Fife. Billy King moves from Arbroath, and Kian Spiers joins from Caledonian Braves. Corrie Fellows and the highly rated Rudi Bryce join on loan from Kelty Hearts, while Josh Laing joins on loan from Spartans.
Sean Murphy, won’t play for the majority of the season, and might possibly miss the entirety of the campaign through a serious knee injury, picked up during preseason. It’s a bitter blow ahead of the campaign, knowing how good Sean is as a player at this level. There’s been other distractions too with Rose having to play their Premier Sports Cup home games at Whitehill Welfare’s Ferguson Park as work is carried out on the pitch at New Dundas Park.
It feels like Jonny Stewart has been managing for years, but in truth, he was only appointed in his first management role at Tranent last September, before returning to Bonnyrigg, as manager, in March. Can experience be the difference between success and failure? Absolutely, it can, and it’s not meant as a knock on Jonny, but it’s only his second season in management. That’s a minus for me in terms of Rose going from challengers to Lowland League champions again. Regardless, Rose should be fighting it out with rest of the top 6, at minimum, with the squad they have at their disposal.
Broxburn Athletic
Broxburn had a decent debut season in the Lowland League, finishing in 7th place. The Brox were aided massively by top scorer, Errol Douglas, making a fine return to tier 5, with 22 goals in 28 league appearances, and standout performances from midfielder, Kyle Bell. No doubts it helps having players like Greg Page, Andy Rodden, Alassan Jones, Scott McCrory-Irving, and Shaun Brown in your squad too.
You have to be excited about Broxburn’s chances for the upcoming season. The players the club have brought in suggest they are looking to challenge at the top. Experienced goalkeeper, Michael Andrews, moves from Bonnyrigg Rose, Chris O’Kane comes in from West of Scotland Premier side, Pollok and a host of moves from fellow Lowland League teams includes Marcus Lavery (Albion Rovers), Robbie McGale (Cumbernauld Colts), Louis Kennedy (Bo’ness United), plus Matty McDonald, Jamie Docherty, and Ewan MacPherson all moving from Cowdenbeath, and Sam Gormley, Jon Robertson, and Robbie Hamilton come in from Edinburgh City. All these moves plus the players the Brox have retained, and you have the makings of a top team.
There isn’t much difference in terms in quality or depth, between many of the contenders. The one disadvantage the Brox may have is they’ve made so many changes to the squad, they might need more time to gel, although many of their signings have been teammates at previous clubs, so it shouldn’t be of major concern for the management team.
One thing to consider, and it’s the same at a few clubs looking to win the league, a lot of moves were for previously established first team starters, and not squad players, so regular squad rotation will be needed to keep everyone happy, and the club that can do that, while keeping their best players throughout the piece, have the best chance of winning the league.
Caledonian Braves
For a team that finished 3rd last season, went on a 15 game unbeaten run, while dealing with a few injuries to some important players, Braves manager Ricky Waddell has bolstered his squad ahead of this campaign. I believe the Braves could go one or two places better this year, and if they do that, they have to be considered as potential Lowland League champions.
I think some people are forgetting that key midfielders Cammy Breadner and Zac Butterworth missed some games last year due to injury, and who knows what would have happened if they had them available. The Braves are always a well-drilled outfit, and If the full squad was settled and match fit, they might have given East Kilbride more of a challenge towards the end of the season. Lennon Walker and Ryan Walker did step up, it has to be said, and John Guthrie played in every league game. Braves had the best defensive record in the league too, with Dan Martin and Greig Stewart, Robbie Stewart, and Jack Brown all continuing to kick on and impress. Ross McNeil did exactly what everyone expected of him too – he scored goals.
It was somewhat surreal seeing the Braves play in Europe via the Fenix Trophy, which they went on to win, beating FC United of Manchester in the final in North Italy. I’m sure the experience was enjoyable for everyone at the club, however, I would like to see the Braves avoid any distractions this year and concentrate on winning the Lowland League, something which they are very capable of doing, especially with the returns of Jamie Walker and Marc Kelly to Alliance Park, and the signings of Dom McMahon and Bright Prince Okosun from Albion Rovers. No doubt one of the biggest tasks that Ricky Waddell will have this season is to keep everyone happy with playing time and that will be key to mount a serious title challenge.
Celtic B
It’s always difficult to place the B teams because we’re never quite sure if their best players will be playing at this level, the Bhoys often opting to loan them out, higher up the levels, to the SPFL. Celtic B have always competed at the top end of the league, finishing 2nd last season, and I don’t expect that to change, however, I do expect given how other top teams have strengthened, for Celtic B to maybe drop down a few places, but still remain pushing for the top 6, well within the top half.
Forward Daniel Cummings was a massive player for Celtic B over the past few seasons and they won’t have his goals to rely on anymore, after a much anticipated move to West Ham. We’re likely going to see a younger outfit this campaign with a few of the U18s coming up. I’m sure they’ll be a few gems in there, but lacking the experience of playing against senior sides, there’s a realistic possibility of a downturn in success.
Civil Service Strollers
How Strollers have consistently remained a top half side as the Lowland League has only gotten stronger over the years should be studied. Of course, Strollers manager Gary Jardine takes a lot of the credit, but the truth is, Civil has a solid group of players at this level. They have retained the vast majority of their squad from last season including mainstays Callum Yeats, Ross Clarke, Matthew Shaw, Euan Valentine, Marc Laird, and big Alieu Faye.
There’s not been too many transfers to talk about so far but that’s been the norm for Strollers over the past few seasons as Gary Jardine takes time to evaluate his squad. Forward Jamie Penker makes the move from East Stirlingshire, while defender Ross Pollock comes in from Heriot-Watt University. Strollers have a growing reputation as the ideal setting for young players to come in on loan and I’d expect some loan moves to happen in the near future.
On paper, Strollers should be safely midtable. I’d love to see them achieve top half again by the end of the season, it would be truly remarkable with the amount of teams challenging this year, but it’s going to be their toughest season to try and emulate that feat. I think if they have any chance to do that, they need to once again turn Christie Gillies Park into the fortress that we know it can be.
Clydebank
In many people’s eyes Clydebank are favourites for the title this season and it’s definitely warranted given they have the strongest squad to be promoted into the Lowland League for some time. However, it must be said there is a certain level of West of Scotland bias behind the belief that Clydebank will somehow walk the league. Losing only one league game in the West of Scotland Premier was some achievement last season but it took years to build. The Bankies come out of the regional bubble they’ve been accustomed to and travel to grounds they’ve never been to and play teams they aren’t used to. It’s a challenge that none of the other contenders need to worry about and it’s not going to be the walk in the park that some anticipate.
Regardless, the strength and depth of Clydebank’s squad can’t be denied. A majority of their players have played in the Lowland League or higher up the pyramid in previous seasons. Bankies manager Gordon Moffat has retained most of his title winning squad which includes the familiar names of Andy Leishman, David Syme, Matt Niven, Nicky Low, Dean Cairns, Nicky Little, and Keir Samson, to name a few. Coming in are goalkeeper Owen Stott from Beith Juniors, Arran Preston from Hamilton Accies, Neil McLaughlin from St Cadoc’s, Stuart McCann from Johnstone Burgh, and Billy Hutchison on loan from St Mirren, after a co-operative agreement was agreed with the Paisley club.
It’s definitely an exciting time for the Bankies, as they push to have the clubs name back in the SPFL and I don’t think the notion, taken to heart by some fans, of the Lowland League being easy is shared by the manager or the players. As professionals, the players will know how difficult challenging for a league title is and that’s genuinely where the Bankies should be – challenging for the Lowland League title this season.
Cowdenbeath
There’s not been a complete overhaul at Central Park coming into the new season but it’s close to it. Cowdenbeath manager Paul McLean has retained Sam Newman and Jack Denham from last season. Scott Cameron joins from Bo’ness Athletic, along with a host of other new arrivals coming in for the new campaign. Goalkeeper Dion Gear joins from fellow Fife club, Kirkcaldy & Dysart. Challenging Dion for the number 1 jersey will be Owen Hayward, who comes in on loan from Falkirk. Former Dunfermline Athletic U18s defender and Cowdenbeath fan, Conley Adamson joins his boyhood club for this season, with fellow defenders Harvie Petrie joining after a spell with Blantyre Victoria in the West of Scotland last season, and Jackson Innes makes the move from Bonnyrigg Rose. While Raymond Reddington joins from Kelty Hearts.
Two-time Midlands League champion, Jack Allan joins from Dundee North End, while 23 year old midfielder Finlay Ness makes the step up from the amateurs. Dylan Mauchin and Max Williamson come in from Livingston and Spartans respectively. Zack Tomany joins from Motherwell and Liam Watt and Stuart McDowell join from fellow Lowland League clubs Gala Fairydean Rovers and Linlithgow Rose, with Darren Downie joining from Broxburn Athletic. There’s also a return to Central Park for Blue Brazil favourite Nat Wedderburn, who transfers from Stenhousemuir.
We’ve seen a few of the players mentioned play in the Lowland or Lowland development previously, but it’s tough to judge Cowdenbeath at the moment, as some of the players are a unknown quantity, at this level. The club have tied down some of the younger talent to two year deals, hopefully building for the seasons ahead. Solely based on the strength of the other teams, Cowden are likely going to be in the bottom half but there’s definitely potential there. The Central Park pitch makes it difficult, especially in the winter months, to play decent football, so it’s always a challenge for managers to get round that obstacle.
Cumbernauld Colts
Every time I predict the Colts to do well, I seem to jinx them, so out of respect for Colts manager John Doyle and assistant David Gormley, I won’t be making any bold predictions. That being said, I do like what I’ve seen from Colts in the off-season. Billy Mortimer and Callum Home return to the club from Albion Rovers. In addition, defender Adam Fernie also makes the move from Cliftonhill. Liam Allison and Ji Stevenson are also back at Broadwood after loan spells last season from Linlithgow Rose and Annan Athletic. Josh Jack joins from Cumnock Juniors, while goalkeeper Harry Broun joins after playing in the Lowland League with Broomhill last season. Josh Farquhar and Lyle Hunter move on loan from St Mirren. Also, bolstering John Doyle’s backroom staff, is former Broomhill manager Zander Diamond, who comes in as a first team coach.
Colts lacked experience last season, having one of the youngest playing squads in the league. I still believe they shouldn’t have been in a relegation fight with the talent they had but it was difficult though with a few injuries to players like Cole McIntyre and Cameron Dickson during the season. John Doyle steadied the ship when he was appointed manager in January and I think Colts can go on a push this season. They have a luxury that some clubs don’t have in the shape of a decent development squad, that they can call on, if there were to be any injuries.
I said I wouldn’t make a prediction and I won’t, but it’s not out the realms of possibility that Colts can push top half. It’s not going to be easy but if Billy Mortimer can get back in amongst the goals, the defence settles, Colts will at minimum do better than last season, where they finished 14th.
East Stirlingshire
East Stirlingshire did well to finish 9th last year, after what can only be described as a truly awful start to the season and I’m sorry to disappoint the Shire fans reading this, but I think they’ll do well to finish 9th this season too, bad start or not. Simply based on the other squads, Shire won’t be a team pushing top half for me.
The Shire announced a co-operative club agreement with Ayr United, which sees Luca McRoberts return to the club for at least the start of the season. with Kenzie Mitchell and Jamie Hislop also joining from the Honest Men. Ben Hobbs joins on loan from Kelty Hearts, while Ben Lamont and Chris Inglis move permanently from Spartans after their loan spells last season.
Goalkeepers Jay Cantley and Neil Mitchell also return to the Shire after spells away. East Stirlingshire announced the signing of a well known name to Scottish fans, James McFadden, that would be junior though, not senior, signing from Partick Thistle. It’s a young team, boosted by the experience of players such as Mark Docherty, Morgaro Gomis, Stephen O’Neill and Matty Flynn, Is that enough for the Shire to be successful? We’ll find out.
More importantly, moving back to Ochilview does allow the club better sponsorship and revenue opportunities going forward, which is a good thing to ensure the clubs future, which has been in doubt for many of years, if not for the fantastic work of the club secretary Andy Williamson and club director Ian Fleming, and now chairman Simon Dickerson.
Gala Fairydean Rovers
Gala were fortunate to stay in the Lowland League last season and if Broomhill didn’t have such a depleted squad by the latter stages, Gala might have been playing their football in the East of Scotland Premier Division this year. 31 points in a season used to be enough for teams to be nowhere near a relegation fight, now it may become the norm and it will be a concern for clubs that are desperate to hold on to their status in tier 5. Luckily, it’s not something clubs like Gala have to worry about this season, with no relegation.
There’s actually a lot to like about Gala manager Martin Scott’s team. They try and play decent football, and there was never an issue of scoring goals, it was their defending that let them down and got them into trouble. Conceding 86 goals over 34 league games, meant Gala finished the season with the worst defensive record. It’s something that Scott will desperately need to address.
Key players, Danny Galbraith, Lewis Hall, Kieran Dolan, Keaghan Jacobs, and Jamie Semple have been retained. Che Reilly appears to be back at the Netherdale also, after his loan from Livingston last season. Defender Liam Fagan joins from Albion Rovers, while the versatile Gregor Lamb joins from Peebles Rovers. We’ve not seen the full picture of signings from Gala but I would expect another bottom half finish is the likely outcome this season.
Gretna FC 2008
Gretna 2008 finished 15th in the Lowland League and if it wasn’t for injuries to defender Jack Dickinson and forward Iain Anderson, they might have not fallen away towards the end of the season. 15th doesn’t sound too impressive but for a club whose days in the Lowland League seemed numbered going by previous seasons, it’s certainly progress.
Anvils manager Vinnie Parker has done a fine job, securing his first silverware by beating the Caledonian Braves in the Southern Counties Challenge Cup Final in May. The majority of last season’s squad was retained, which shows belief from the players in what Vinnie is trying to build at the club. Jack Dickinson and Jordan Wooding-Holt were surprise exits ahead of the new campaign, but the signing of forward Sean McKenzie from Nithsdale Wanderers, should add extra fire power this season.
The top half is going to be so difficult for some clubs to achieve, but Gretna should be there or there abouts, I certainly expect them to push higher than 15th, but like every season, injuries and transfers make a difference.
Heart of Midlothian B
Hearts B finished 11th last season and I would expect another bottom half finish for this campaign. There was certainly a few standouts in the team such as Gregor Crookston, Matthew Gillies, Gus Stevenson, and Mackenzie Ross, but with one or two seasons under their belt playing at this level, the club might want some players to get experience higher up in the SPFL.
That’s essentially what makes predicting anything for B teams more difficult, because you never know exactly what players will be involved or what the plans are. Unlike Celtic, for the most part, Hearts have also gave some of the B team players a chance to be involved in the first team, which I hope continues. You’ll also get the natural progression of the U18s stepping up to be more involved in the B team as older lads are loaned out.
I can’t personally see any of the two B teams making waves in terms of challenging at the top of the division this season.
Linlithgow Rose
Linlithgow finished 5th last season and I think they have an excellent chance to improve on that this year. I was really impressed by a lot of the Rose team. You’re always going to have your standouts in any top side but there was Rose players that really seemed to kick on. Louis Maguire never looked like he had a poor game, Dylan Paterson made the difference, and Greg Skinner was solid at the back. Of course it helps having Cammy Binnie between the sticks, and Connor McMullan and Gary Thom leading the team.
The majority of last season’s squad has been retained with only a few additions. Paul Kennedy, who had an excellent season, comes in from fellow Lowland League team, Albion Rovers, Ciaran Greene moves from Gala Fairydean Rovers. Reuben Lamont, previously at Stirling Albion, moves into the first team at Prestonfield, and Joseph Smith, who was on loan at Broxburn Athletic last season, joins from Queen’s Park.
Rose have a solid squad and this season they will be aiming for a high finish. I fully expect them to be challenging at the top end. Former Whitburn manager, Darren Wilson, coming in as Rose manager Gordon Herd’s assistant is a good move in the backroom. The top 6 is going to be tough, but Linlithgow should most definitely be in the mix.
Tranent
Tranent finished 4th last season and the Belters are always there or there abouts when it comes to challenging but the big difference for me going into this season is Robbie Horn coming in as manager. Robbie, having won the Lowland League previously with Bonnyrigg Rose, is a big coup for the club. Tranent have been frustrating in previous seasons, they’ve had good teams in past seasons but never really lived up to hype. Robbie’s appointment changes that, in my opinion.
Similiar to other top sides, most of the squad has been retained, with only a few additions. Sam Jones comes in from Edinburgh City, Cammy McKinley, who was on loan at East Kilbride last season, comes in from Stirling Albion, and it’s a return to Forester’s Park for Broque Watson as he makes the move from East Kilbride.
Tranent have struggled for goals from open play in the past and have made the most of their chances from set plays, if this is starting to sound familiar, it’s because Bonnyrigg Rose under Robbie Horn were not too dissimilar their first few seasons in the Lowland League. I’ve never been the biggest fan of Robbie’s style (and he knows it!), but I can’t argue with the results.
Hence, under Robbie (for me), Tranent go from potential challengers to potential champions this season.
University of Stirling
I think Stirling Uni might be the team that benefits most from no relegation this season, and it’s not because I think they would have finished bottom. The primary objective of the Uni is to develop players and with no fear of relegation, we might see some more players from the development side feature this year. It also perhaps gives the Uni the chance to focus on the BUCS competitions a little more.
Knowing Chris Geddes, he’ll still go out to try and win games, whoever the Uni plays, but there’s certainly less of a battle at the bottom half than the top, simply because there is no relegation. It’s a ideal opportunity to build for future seasons by giving some players experience a little bit earlier than they might have had it if there was added pressure.
