Johnstone Burgh and Renfrew are among 10 clubs recommended to receive a Scottish FA Entry Level licence, taking both a step closer to joining the senior ranks, with clubs set to formally receive their licences at the SFA Annual General Meeting in May.
A Scottish FA document shows the clubs referred to the SFA Board for membership approval are Beith Juniors, Broughty Athletic, Drumchapel United, Invergordon, Johnstone Burgh, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Largs Thistle, Renfrew, Troon and Whitlets Victoria.
If approved, all of those clubs would become eligible to play in the Scottish Cup, regardless of what league they currently play in.
For Johnstone Burgh, it follows a key milestone earlier this year after completing their licensing requirements, including the installation of floodlights at Keanie Park.
The lights were officially switched on on Wednesday 25th February ahead of their match against Auchinleck Talbot by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, alongside members of the club’s 1968 Junior Cup-winning team — captain George Caughey and Nicky House.
Renfrew have also progressed through the licensing process and are now at the same stage.
However, promotion is a separate issue.
Only clubs playing in the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division can be promoted to the new Lowland League West, and only if they finish in the top eight and hold the required licence.
That means clubs outwith the Premier Division could still play in the Scottish Cup if licensed.
Johnstone Burgh and Renfrew are both currently in the Premier Division, meaning they could compete for promotion and finish in the top eight.
They would join a group of Premier Division clubs who already hold an SFA Entry Level licence, including Auchinleck Talbot, Cumnock Juniors, Glenafton Athletic, Kilwinning Rangers, Pollok, Rutherglen Glencairn and St Cadoc’s.
The developments come ahead of a major restructure of the Scottish football pyramid at tier five.
From the 2026/27 season, the current Lowland League will be replaced by a Lowland League East and a Lowland League West, both operating alongside the Highland League.
Eight clubs are expected to move into the new Lowland League West, based on final league positions and which teams meet the SFA Club Licensing criteria. Clubs must finish within the top eight of the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division to be eligible for promotion.
If fewer than eight clubs meet both the league position and licensing requirements, the Lowland League West would start with fewer teams.
There will be no relegation across the WoSFL this season.
The SFA Board approved the applications on Wednesday 23rd April, with clubs set to formally receive their licences at the SFA Annual General Meeting on 28th May 2026.
Lowland League West: as it stands
As things stand, clubs need to finish in the top eight of the West of Scotland Premier Division and hold an SFA licence, or be expected to receive one in May, to go up to the new Lowland League West.
Troon, Cumnock Juniors, Auchinleck Talbot and Johnstone Burgh have already secured top-eight finishes mathematically.
Based on the current table and the current licensing position, six clubs would currently be in line to go up. Two clubs in the current top eight — Arthurlie and Hurlford United — do not have a licence and are not on the list expected to be approved in May, so they could not be promoted even if they finish in the top eight.
Two clubs are now mathematically unable to finish in the top eight. Rutherglen Glencairn can reach a maximum of 35 points, while St Cadoc’s can reach a maximum of 21. With eighth-placed Hurlford United already on 39 points, neither can now break into the promotion places.
| Club | Pos | P | Pts | Max Pts | Gap to 8th | Licence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troon | 1 | 26 | 59 | 71 | -20 | Expected | Secured – would go up |
| Cumnock Juniors | 2 | 26 | 54 | 66 | -15 | Licensed | Secured – would go up |
| Auchinleck Talbot | 3 | 26 | 53 | 65 | -14 | Licensed | Secured – would go up |
| Johnstone Burgh | 4 | 26 | 43 | 55 | -4 | Expected | Secured – would go up |
| Largs Thistle | 5 | 25 | 42 | 57 | -3 | Expected | Would go up |
| Pollok | 6 | 26 | 41 | 53 | -2 | Licensed | Would go up |
| Arthurlie | 7 | 25 | 40 | 55 | -1 | No licence | Top eight – cannot go up |
| Hurlford United | 8 | 26 | 39 | 51 | 0 | No licence | Top eight – cannot go up |
| Renfrew | 9 | 25 | 36 | 51 | +3 | Expected | Still alive |
| Kilwinning Rangers | 10 | 26 | 34 | 46 | +5 | Licensed | Still alive |
| Drumchapel United | 11 | 25 | 33 | 48 | +6 | Expected | Still alive |
| Glenafton Athletic | 12 | 25 | 31 | 46 | +8 | Licensed | Still alive |
| Beith Juniors | 13 | 25 | 30 | 45 | +9 | Expected | Still alive |
| Shotts Bon Accord | 14 | 25 | 27 | 42 | +12 | No licence | Still alive, but cannot go up |
| Rutherglen Glencairn | 15 | 25 | 20 | 35 | +19 | Licensed | Eliminated |
| St Cadoc’s | 16 | 26 | 9 | 21 | +30 | Licensed | Eliminated |
With 30 games in the season, clubs can only gain a maximum of three points per remaining match, which means it is possible to work out who can still reach the top eight. Based on the current table, eighth-placed Hurlford United already have 39 points. Rutherglen Glencairn, on 20 points with five games left, can only reach a maximum of 35 points, while St Cadoc’s can reach just 21, meaning both are now mathematically unable to finish in the top eight. At the other end, Troon, Cumnock Juniors and Auchinleck Talbot have already secured top-eight finishes, as none of the teams below can reach their current points totals. Johnstone Burgh are also guaranteed a top-eight place, as the highest total the teams outside the top eight can reach would not be enough to push them out. All other clubs remain mathematically capable of finishing in the top eight, depending on results in the remaining fixtures.
Promotion race: key categories
Top eight secured: Troon, Cumnock Juniors, Auchinleck Talbot, Johnstone Burgh
Would currently go up: Largs Thistle, Pollok
Top eight but cannot go up: Arthurlie, Hurlford United
Mathematically out of the top eight race: Rutherglen Glencairn, St Cadoc’s