The dates and participating clubs for the 2015/16 William Hill Scottish Cup have been confirmed, with some new teams featuring in this season’s competition.
For the first time ever, the Cup will start with two Preliminary Rounds on Saturday, 15 August and Saturday, 5 September 2015. The draws for both rounds will be made in due course.
Changes to the entry criteria – agreed at the Scottish FA AGM earlier this month – mean the winners of the Scottish Amateur Cup (Harestanes FC), East of Scotland League (Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale) and South of Scotland League (Wigtown and Bladnoch) are granted entry.
Holders Inverness Caledonian Thistle come in at the fourth round stage along with the rest of the Scottish Premiership teams, plus St Mirren, Hibernian, Rangers and Queen of the South from the Championship.
After the preliminary rounds, which will feature a total of ten ties, the first round will get under way on Saturday, 26th September.
This season’s final will take place on Saturday, 21st May 2015 at Hampden Park.
Preliminary Round One: Saturday, 15th August 2015
Preliminary Round Two: Saturday, 5th September 2015
First Round: Saturday, 26th September 2015
Second Round: Saturday, 24th October 2015
Third Round: Saturday, 28th November 2015
Fourth Round: Saturday, 9th January 2016
Fifth Round: Saturday, 6th February 2016
Sixth Round: Saturday, 5th March 2016
Semi-Finals: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th April 2016
Final: Saturday, 21st May 2016
For a full Scottish Cup 2015/16 schedule and list of participating clubs, including when each club will enter - click here