Lowland League winners Linlithgow Rose ‘not eligible’ to play in SPFL play-offs.

Linlithgow Rose will not be afforded the chance to win promotion to the SPFL despite securing the Scottish Lowland Football League title over the weekend, it has been confirmed.

Gordon Herd’s side sealed a historic fifth-tier title success on Saturday - coming from behind to beat Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 at New Dundas Park to finish top of the table. The Prestonfield outfit chalked up an incredible end-of-season run, winning 11 matches from 12, to hit the summit with two games remaining. And after beating promotion rivals Clydebank, they then did the job on the final matchday.

But less than 24 hours after being crowned champions, the club have confirmed that they are "are not eligible to participate in" this season’s SPFL pyramid play-off. Herd’s side should be gearing up for a play-off semi-final against Highland League winners Brora Rangers - but the Cattachs will now go straight through to the final. They’ll face Club 42 Edinburgh City over two legs for a place in Scottish League Two next season.

SPFL deny Linlithgow Rose more time

On social media, a statement from Linlithgow Rose read: "Unfortunately, our application for a period of grace to fulfil the required criteria for our SFA Bronze Licence was declined by the SPFL Board. On this basis we are not eligible to participate in the pyramid play-off competition. We are taking the necessary steps to enable the club to be considered for an Scottish FA Bronze Licence at its next annual assessment."

Clubs hoping to gain promotion to the SPFL are required to have a Scottish FA Bronze Licence after a rule change three years ago. Previously, Buckie Thistle couldn’t take part in the play-offs two campaigns ago due to licensing criteria. A waiver system is in place for clubs who aren’t at bronze level but believe they within touching distance of securing the award. That can only be granted by the SPFL Board. The Prestonfield outfit’s stadium is marked as bronze on the latest Scottish FA licensing list, but the club are at entry level overall.