Scottish Premiership: what it is and how to follow it

Want to follow the Scottish Premiership without getting lost? This short guide tells you how the league works, who the big clubs are, where to watch matches, and what to watch for each week. I’ll keep it practical — no fluff, just the facts you’ll use whether you’re a new fan or catching up after a break.

League format and key facts

The Premiership has 12 teams who each play 38 games. After 33 matches the table splits into a top six and a bottom six. The champion usually goes into Champions League qualifying, while other top finishers head to Europa League or Europa Conference qualifiers. The bottom team is relegated to the Championship and the second-bottom usually faces a play-off.

Big names you’ll hear about most: Celtic and Rangers — the Old Firm rivalry still dominates headlines. Other clubs that matter regularly: Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibernian, Motherwell and Dundee United. Matchdays run from weekend fixtures to midweek games, and rivalries make certain fixtures must-watch TV.

How to watch, follow and stay up to date

Want live games or just highlights? First stop: club websites and the SPFL site for schedules and official updates. For live streams, check the official broadcasters in your country — rights change, so confirm local listings. Clubs post live updates on Twitter/X, Instagram and YouTube; those are great for goals and post-match reactions.

Practical tips: subscribe to the club newsletter for ticket alerts, follow local sports pages for time changes, and enable notifications on your phone for line-up and goal alerts. If you’re betting or fantasy-managing, track injuries and late squads the hour before kick-off — that’s when managers often make final changes.

Matchday advice if you travel to Scotland: book tickets early for big games (Old Firm especially), check public transport links, and dress for weather — Scottish stadia are breezy. Stay respectful in rival areas and follow stadium rules on bags and entry times.

Want transfer news? The two main windows are summer (July–August) and winter (January). Follow official club statements for confirmed deals — transfer rumours are fast but often wrong. For young talent and loan moves, watch club academies and local papers; they pick up early signs of promising signings.

If you only have time for highlights, focus on derby days and top-six clashes — they decide European places. For a deeper watch, track form over 6–8 games: patterns show who’s hot and who’s falling away.

Have a specific team you follow? I can pull fixtures, recent results, and upcoming key matches for that club so you don’t miss anything important. Want that now?