In light of the events in Manchester this week, the Scottish FA has been in dialogue with Police Scotland and the participating clubs regarding security arrangements for the William Hill Scottish Cup Final.

The safety of fans is of paramount importance to the Scottish FA and a range of measures will be implemented as part of an enhanced security operation on Saturday.

The increased security measures at the stadium will include bag and people searches, and may result in delays in entering the stadium.

Fans should expect to be searched at the outer cordons at Prospecthill Road, Mount Annan Drive, Somerville Drive and Letherby Drive, with additional bag searches at the turnstiles.

To accommodate these increased measures, gates will now open at 1pm, half an hour earlier than originally planned.

Anyone carrying large bags and musical instruments will not be permitted entry to the stadium and the Scottish FA takes no responsibility for any items that result in entry being refused. Fans are therefore encouraged not to bring any unnecessary items with them on match day.

The police will provide specialist resources to assist stewards in addition to uniform officers patrolling in and around the stadium.

Fans are reminded that the stadium is sold out for the season’s showpiece match and are therefore encouraged to arrive early to ensure that they are in their seats for kick-off.

In tribute to the victims at the Manchester Arena, a minute’s silence will be observed prior to kick-off, while players from both teams and match officials will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

We thank all supporters for their cooperation and look forward to a safe and memorable occasion on Saturday.