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Scottish Cup partially redrawn due to withdrawals

23 Oct 2025

Scottish Rugby can today confirm a partial redraw of the Scottish Cup competition due to the withdrawal of four clubs.

AYR, SCOTLAND - APRIL 26: A scrum during the Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Final match between Ayr Rugby and Watsonians at Millbrae, on April 26, 2025, in Ayr, Scotland. (Photo by Calum Chittleburgh / SNS Group)

The initial draw, with 20 teams, was released in June and consisted of four ties in round one scheduled for the weekend of 1 November, and 12 byes, leading to a round of 16 slated for the weekend of 15 November.

The earlier withdrawals of Gordonians and Kelso from their round one fixtures did not impact the competition structure. But subsequent withdrawals of four additional clubs earlier this week — Gala, Hawick, Jed-Forest, and Selkirk — has left 14 teams in the competition.

Jed-Forest and Selkirk were due to play against each other in the second round, meaning round two would be left with only five fixtures, two byes and just seven teams progressing to the quarterfinals.

Consideration was given to several options including leaving the structure unchanged; a complete redraw of the fixtures; or making a targeted readjustment to the initial structure, the latter of which was deemed the most appropriate and least disruptive. To protect the integrity of the competition, that decision has been actioned.

This saw the Ayr v Glasgow Hawks round one match randomly selected to become a round two fixture, but still to be played on the originally scheduled date, replacing the Jed-Forest v Selkirk match.

The other initially scheduled round one match, Heriot’s Rugby v Watsonian FC, has been cancelled and the teams drawn new opponents in round two to fill gaps left by the other two withdrawing teams. Heriot’s will now play away to Musselburgh with Watsonians set to face Melrose.

Boroughmuir and Edinburgh Academicals were drawn to have the bye, meaning eight teams progress to the quarter finals.

This approach was considered the least disruptive solution, allowing the competition to retain its structure with eight teams progressing to the quarterfinals while ensuring the majority of teams earn their place through competitive matches.

The male adult season review consultation, which concluded in May ahead of the draw and fixtures being released, saw feedback offered from all corners of the country including Premiership and National League representatives. The 2025/26 season structure came as a result of this consultation with clubs.