10 Biggest Football Rivalries in Scotland
Rivalries are a part of sporting history, and football is no different from it. Scotland is home to some of the oldest and most famous football clubs in the world. We all know about the Old Firm rivalry, but there’s more to Scottish football than that, and in this article, we will have a look at some of the biggest football rivalries in Scotland.
Based on history, match atmosphere, hype and fans’ opinion, here are the 10 biggest football rivalries in Scotland.
10. Queen’s Park v Rangers [Original Glasgow derby]
Queen’s Park, founded in 1867, holds the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest football club and was pivotal in shaping the early history of Scottish football. During the late 19th century, their rivalry with Rangers ignited as both clubs were based in Glasgow. While the clash has faded over time due to Queen’s Park’s decline and Rangers’ dominance, its historical importance remains. The rivalry represents the formative years of Scottish football and the original battle for Glasgow’s footballing supremacy.
9. Ayr United v Kilmarnock [Ayrshire Derby]
Known as the Ayrshire Derby, this fierce rivalry encapsulates the pride of two towns separated by only a short distance. Ayr United and Kilmarnock represent the working-class spirit of the region, and their encounters have always been intense. The matches are highly anticipated by local fans, and the passionate atmosphere on derby day reflects the deep-rooted regional pride. The proximity of the clubs ensures that bragging rights carry immense significance in the community.
8. Aberdeen v Rangers
Aberdeen and Rangers have one of Scotland’s most contentious rivalries, which began in earnest during the 1970s and intensified in the 1980s. Aberdeen’s rise under Sir Alex Ferguson saw them challenge Rangers for domestic and European glory, creating a competitive tension that persists to this day. Beyond football, there have been infamous on-pitch incidents, including brutal tackles that left lasting scars on the rivalry. This bitterness extends off the pitch, as the clubs’ supporters share a mutual dislike, making this one of the most heated matchups in Scottish football.
7. Motherwell v Hamilton [Lanarkshire derby]
The Lanarkshire Derby reflects the passionate rivalries of smaller towns. Matches between Motherwell and Hamilton have a reputation for being fiery, both on and off the pitch. In recent years, the rivalry has escalated, with fan clashes and incidents involving flares and projectiles becoming more common. Local pubs and streets near the stadium become hotspots for pre-match tensions. The intensity of this rivalry often transcends the game itself, symbolizing the pride of their respective communities.
6. Ross County v Inverness Caledonian Thistle [Highland derby]
The Highland Derby between Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle is unique in its geographic and cultural context. Representing the Scottish Highlands, this rivalry pits the town of Dingwall against the city of Inverness, with the short distance between the two intensifying local pride. Despite being a more modern rivalry, having begun in the mid-1990s, it carries an authentic regional significance. The games are fiercely contested and showcase the passion of football in Scotland’s more remote regions.
5. St Mirren v Greenock Morton [Renfrewshire derby]
The Renfrewshire Derby is one of Scotland’s most intense local rivalries, with St Mirren and Greenock Morton battling for supremacy in the region. Matches between these clubs are fueled by animosity and are known for their charged atmospheres. Fans of both sides hold a deep disdain for each other, and the rivalry often spills over into local communities. Beyond the scoreline, the derby symbolizes a struggle for dominance in Renfrewshire footballing heritage.
4. Aberdeen v Dundee United [New Firm]
Dubbed the “New Firm” in the 1980s, the rivalry between Aberdeen and Dundee United emerged when both clubs broke the traditional Celtic-Rangers duopoly. Under visionary managers, both teams enjoyed periods of domestic and European success, creating a competitive edge that solidified their rivalry. Matches between these sides are highly competitive, characterized by tactical battles and high stakes. The rivalry remains a testament to the era when Scottish football offered more than just the Old Firm dominance.
3. Dundee vs Dundee United [Dundee derby]
The Dundee Derby is one of the most geographically unique rivalries in world football, as the two clubs’ stadiums are separated by only a street. This proximity fuels an extraordinary level of familiarity and competition. In Dundee, the rivalry permeates daily life, with families, friends, and coworkers often supporting opposing sides. The games are electric, with fans creating a boisterous atmosphere that reflects the deeply ingrained local passion for football.
2. Hearts v Hibernian [Edinburgh derby]
The Edinburgh Derby is one of the oldest rivalries in football, dating back to the 1870s. Hearts and Hibernian divide Scotland’s capital city into maroon and green on derby days. The rivalry carries historical and cultural significance, with both clubs representing different aspects of Edinburgh’s identity. Matches are fiercely competitive, with passionate fans creating an electric atmosphere. Beyond the sport, the derby highlights the rich footballing tradition of Scotland’s capital.
1. Celtic v Rangers [Old Firm]
The Old Firm rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most famous and intense in the world. It transcends football, reflecting deep-rooted cultural, religious, and political divisions in Scotland. Matchdays are marked by extraordinary passion, with both sets of supporters creating an atmosphere unmatched in football. The rivalry’s impact extends globally, with Celtic and Rangers fans forming communities far beyond Scotland. The Old Firm is not just a derby—it’s a symbol of Scottish football’s heritage and cultural fabric.