Highland League champions Buckie Thistle have been invited to compete in next season’s Premier Sports Cup by the SPFL.
The offer comes days after they were denied the chance to play Lowland League winners in the pyramid play-off, the first leg of which was meant to take place on Saturday (April 27).
Buckie were not permitted to contest the play-off because the Moray club do not hold a bronze level SFA licence, which is not needed in the Premier Sports – or League – Cup.
With five Premiership clubs competing in European competitions, 37 SPFL clubs and three other sides will go into the group stage of the Premier Sports Cup.
As well as Buckie, runners-up Brechin City – pipped to the title by just two goals – have been invited, as well as East Kilbride, who will find out this weekend whether they will meet Bonnyrigg Rose, Clyde or Stranraer in the play-off final after not having to face Buckie.
Once confirmed, the clubs will be added to the draw for the group stage of next season’s competition, which will take place on Wednesday, May 29, at 1pm.
Buckie were given a dream Scottish Cup fourth-round tie this season when they played Celtic at Parkhead, losing 5-0.
Rangers are the holders of the Premier Sports Cup, having defeated Aberdeen 1-0 in December’s final.
