The SPFL have announced key dates for next season as the fixture calendar returns to normality after a turbulent closed-door campaign.
And the winter break is also set to return in the Scottish Premiership after being skipped this time around.
All four divisions will kick-off the 2021-22 term on Saturday, July 31 with Rangers launching their defence of the top flight crown.
But the Scottish domestic action will in fact begin three weeks earlier when the League Cup group stage reverts to its usual pre-season slot.
The group stage will start with matchday one on the weekend of July 10/11.
A further four rounds of fixtures will follow on consecutive midweeks and weekends until matchday five on July 24/25.
In the top flight, meanwhile, the action will shut down for the winter break from Monday, January 3 until Friday, January 21.
Given the pandemic and the lack of a set break, Scottish clubs - apart from Celtic - neglected trips abroad this winter but the warm weather training camps could be back on the agenda depending on the Covid situation early next year.
Key dates
League Cup group stage
Matchday One: Weekend of July 10/11
Matchday Two: Midweek of July 13/14
Matchday Three: Weekend of July 17/18
Matchday Four: Midweek of July 20/21
Matchday Five: Weekend of July 24/25
Return of all four SPFL leagues
Saturday, July 31
Scottish Premiership winter break
Monday, January 3 until Friday, January 21
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