Relegation trap door opens for Scottish Highland Football League as North Region Junior Superleague, North Caledonian League and new Midlands League form northern sixth tier of Scottish Football Pyramid
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THE Highland League has opened its doors to the sixth tier of the Scottish football pyramid system.
Next season's bottom club in the Highland League may have to fight it out with the winners of three feeder divisions all eager to step up the national ladder.
A statement has been issued by clubs in the North Region Junior Superleague, North Caledonian League and a newly-formed Midlands League made up of Tayside junior clubs, who have all entered the pyramid system.
All clubs in the East Region Premiership North, plus amateur outfit Dundee St James, will play in the 19-club Midlands League next season.
If the winners of the new division meet Scottish FA licensing criteria, they will go forward to a play-off alongside the North Superleague and North Caledonian champions, providing both these clubs also meet the necessary criteria.
The winners of this possible three-way play-off would then play a match for the chance to join the Highland League ranks, if they could beat the team that finishes bottom.
A joint statement from the sixth tier divisions read: "We are all delighted to confirm our participation in the new Scottish Football Pyramid format for the north half of Scotland - beginning this coming season.
"As per the new agreement, the Midlands League, the North Caledonian League and the North Region Superleague will come in at Tier 6, sitting just below the Scottish Highland Football League.
"Going forward, the winners of each Tier 6 partner league (subject to Scottish FA licensing criteria) will compete in a playoff at the end of the season to earn an opportunity to playoff against the bottom placed Highland Football League team - with a place in the Highland League at stake.
"We would like to thank the SFA and the Scottish Highland Football league for all their help and assistance in making this pyramid format a possibility.
"It is an exciting step forward for all our Associations and we can't wait to get started."
Clubs in the new Midlands League sixth tier division:
Arbroath Vics
Blairgowrie
Brechin Vics
Broughty Athletic
Carnoustie Panmure
Coupar Angus
Dundee Downfield
Dundee East Craigie
Dundee North End
Dundee St James
Dundee Violet
Forfar United
Forfar West End
Kirriemuir Thistle
Lochee Harp
Lochee United
Letham
Scone Thistle
Tayport
