The number of senior football clubs in West Lothian has risen from four to 12 after eight former Junior clubs were accepted into the East of Scotland Football League for next season.
Armadale Thistle, Bathgate Thistle, Fauldhouse United, Livingston United, Pumpherston, Stoneyburn, West Calder United, and Whitburn all had their applications accepted and will start life within the senior football pyramid for the 2021/22 season.
The move brings an end to the long history of Junior football in the county and comes three years after Blackburn United, Broxburn Athletic and Linlithgow Rose made the same move. They all currently play in the sixth tier East of Scotland Premier Division.
The newly admitted clubs will start life as senior clubs within the seventh tier of Scottish football - and will play in conferences next season before then being split into divisions. A tentative start date for the new campaign is July 17 but is subject to change depending on government guidelines.
The move to senior football means clubs are able to participate in the Scottish Cup upon receiving a Scottish FA license.
Harthill Royal could become the ninth side to turn senior this off-season. They have applied to join the West of Scotland Football League but have yet to hear if their application has been successful.
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