Scottish Football Set for Landmark Day with Edinburgh Derby Kicking Things Off
The Edinburgh derby between Hibs and Hearts will headline what the SPFL is calling an “unprecedented” day in Scottish football history. The eagerly anticipated fixture will be the first in a triple-header of live top-flight matches scheduled for December 27, forming part of a busy festive period on TV.
As per the SPFL’s latest broadcast schedule, Hibs’ away clash with Falkirk in August is also set for a 5:45 PM kick-off, pending the club’s involvement in European competition. While the Christmas-time derby at Easter Road was already confirmed for live coverage on Sky Sports, it will now serve as the curtain-raiser for a packed day of televised action.
Following the Edinburgh derby, Livingston vs Celtic will air in the afternoon slot, with the day wrapping up with Aberdeen hosting Dundee United — marking a rare occasion where three Scottish Premiership matches are televised live back-to-back.
SPFL Statement on Fixture Changes and TV Picks
In their official announcement, the SPFL said:
“The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today announced the latest William Hill Premiership matches selected for live broadcast…”
Key highlights include:
-
Dundee derby at Dens Park will air on Premier Sports on Sunday, August 31 at 2:00 PM, following the Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic on Sky Sports at 12:00 noon.
-
Fixtures for rounds three and four, along with festive games from December 27 to January 3, have now been confirmed—allowing fans and clubs to plan ahead.
Some matches are subject to change due to UEFA commitments. For example:
-
Falkirk vs Hibernian, chosen for live coverage by Premier Sports on August 23, could be rescheduled if Hibs advance in Europa League or Conference League qualifiers.
-
Similarly, St Mirren vs Rangers, selected for Sky Sports, awaits confirmation based on Rangers’ European progression.
The Aberdeen vs Dundee United fixture on August 23 has already been postponed due to Aberdeen’s participation in Europa League play-offs, with a new date to be confirmed after UEFA publishes group-stage schedules.
More Festive Football Action
In addition to the triple-header on December 27, the SPFL also confirmed:
-
Motherwell vs Celtic will air on Premier Sports on Tuesday, December 30 at 8:00 PM.
-
The second Dundee derby of the season will take place on Saturday, January 3 at 3:00 PM, right after Celtic vs Rangers on Sky Sports, which kicks off at 12:30 PM.
The league described the December 27 schedule as “a landmark occasion” and a major boost for fans, with wall-to-wall coverage of Scottish football like never before.
Leave a Reply