Hibernian and Hearts have learned exactly how their respective seasons will begin with the release of the Betfred Cup fixtures.
Hearts , who finished their season in sixth, will take on Dundee United , who came within touching distance of a Premiership return. Meanwhile, city rivals Hibs will take on Stirling Albion in their first fixture on July 13.
Hearts v Dundee United will be the opening fixture of the competition, broadcast live on BT Sport on Friday, July 12 at 7:45pm. Hibs, on the other hand, will have their match against Elgin televised on July 26.
Fixtures for the group stage begin on July 12 and continue until July 28, with Dundee v Inverness Caledonian Thistle also being broadcast live as the final fixture. The draw for the next round of the competition will take place immediately after the final game ends.
Although teams with European commitments, such as Celtic , Rangers and Kilmarnock, are exempt from the group stage of the Betfred Cup, it marks the start of the season for most Scottish teams.
The Premiership outfits taking part include Hearts, Hibs, Ross County, St Johnstone and Motherwell.
Last season, Celtic lifted the Betfred Cup in December by beating Aberdeen 1-0, though both teams will not be competing in the group stage.
Other fixtures in the group stage will include St Johnston v Ross County on July 21 as well as relegated Dundee against Raith Rovers on July 13.
A full list of fixtures can be found here .
