Rose miss out on pyramid play-offs over licence

Linlithgow Rose say they "are not eligible to participate in" this season's SPFL pyramid play-offs, meaning Brora Rangers are set to take on Edinburgh City in the final.

Rose won the Lowland League and, ordinarily, would face Highland League winners Brora in the two-legged play-off semi-final.

However, Brora have effectively been given a bye and will meet City, who are bottom of League 2, over two legs for a place in next year's fourth tier.

Linlithgow said on X, external: "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."

Rose won the Lowland League by two points, with Clydebank finishing as runners-up.

And the division winners added: "We are taking the necessary steps to enable the club to be considered for an SFA bronze licence at its next annual assessment."

A similar situation arose in 2024, when Lowland League winners East Kilbride were given a walkover in the play-off semi-final because Highland League champions Buckie Thistle lacked the necessary licence.

East Kilbride lost that year's final to Stranraer but prevailed against Bonnyrigg Rose in the 2025 final are are currently top of League 2.

Brora won this season's Highland League by a single point, finishing above Brechin City. Edinburgh City still have two regular season fixtures to play but are 14 points adrift at the bottom of League 2.

The play-off final legs are scheduled for 9 and 16 May, with Brora to host the first leg.