Johnstone Burgh have been joined by a number of West of Scotland clubs in moving closer to securing Scottish FA Entry Level licences.
Burgh reached 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.
While the club have now met the necessary criteria, they are still awaiting confirmation on whether they will be accepted as an SFA member club.
They have now been joined in the process by several other clubs across the West.
Troon confirmed they have been recommended to receive their Scottish FA club licence, marking a major step forward for the Ayrshire side.
Largs Thistle also confirmed on Wednesday 18th March 2026 that the SFA Licensing Committee has approved their application to progress to the final stage after meeting all qualifying criteria.
The club will now move on to secure full SFA membership, with their application set to be considered by the SFA board on 23rd April.
Beith Juniors have also been recommended to receive their Entry Level licence following a successful audit of their ground and administrative processes earlier this year.
The Bellsdale Park side say the recommendation follows a prolonged period of work behind the scenes to meet licensing standards, with the club now awaiting formal approval of their SFA membership.
If granted, it would allow Beith to become eligible for promotion to the new Lowland League West, which begins in August 2026, as well as entry into the Scottish Cup from the preliminary round stage from the 2026/27 season.
If accepted, Johnstone Burgh, Largs Thistle, Troon and Beith Juniors would all be eligible for promotion to the new Lowland League West, as well as entry into the Scottish Cup.
They would join a growing list of West of Scotland Premier Division clubs who already hold an SFA Entry Level licence.
Auchinleck Talbot, Cumnock Juniors, Glenafton Athletic, Kilwinning Rangers, Pollok, Rutherglen Glencairn and St Cadoc’s have already secured their licences, meaning they are eligible for both promotion and Scottish Cup participation.
Only licensed member clubs are eligible to participate in the Scottish Cup, providing both financial benefits and added prestige.
The changes 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.
As part of that restructure, between eight and ten clubs from the West of Scotland Football League are expected to move up to the new Lowland League West, provided they meet the SFA Club Licensing requirements by the deadline.
However, the exact number of promoted clubs is not fixed. Depending on how results across the pyramid unfold, it could be as few as seven or as many as ten teams making the step up.
There will be no relegation across the WoSFL this season.
League campaigns will continue as normal, with licensed clubs still eligible to compete in the Scottish Cup.
All clubs will also remain eligible to take part in the South Challenge Cup and either the Strathclyde Cup or the Scottish Communities Cup.
The club will now move on to secure full SFA membership, with their application set to be considered by the SFA board on 23rd April. If approved, they are expected to receive their licence at the SFA Annual General Meeting on 28th May 2026.