The Scottish Highland League has been brought to an early end with league leaders Brora Rangers awarded this season’s title.
The decision to crown the Highland League leaders as champions comes with the Dudgeon Park side 13 points clear at the top of the table with six games left to play.
Despite having an insurmountable lead, this will be interesting for the SPFL divisions with disputes remaining over how the professional league seasons should end in Scotland.
Brora manager Steven Mackay has suggested the decision was made by the Highland League board and the other member clubs [Brora Rangers].
It is worth mentioning that the Highland League is yet to be concluded with the victors of this to play the Lowland League winners for a shot at participation in the Scottish League Two next season.
The winner of a tie between the two will play the club currently bottom of League Two, which at the moment is Brechin City.
It is also worth noting that the manager of the current Lowland League leaders Kelty Hearts, ex-Rangers star Barry Ferguson, believes that his side should not be awarded the title prematurely [Daily Record].
Kelty currently sit six points clear at the top of the Lowland League, having played one more match than second-placed Bonnyrigg Rose.
This division is considerably closer than its Highland counterpart.
Rangers have said the 38 game Scottish Premiership season must be completed before any awards are handed out, saying any attempt to finish it now “impacts upon the integrity of sport in Scotland” [Rangers].
Celtic chief Peter Lawwell claims “the season cannot be voided as the consequences of that are so severe” [Celtic].
