West of Scotland League structure confirmed with top flight of 20

An email was sent to all 67 clubs confirming the arrangements.

The new West of Scotland Football League will be running with a top flight of 20 teams, Ayrshire Fitbaw can reveal.

In an email sent to all 67 clubs, league chiefs confirmed that the most recent West Region Premiership's 16 teams along with Bonnyton Thistle from the South of Scotland League and also Darvel, Blantyre Vics and Cumbernauld United will be drafted in from the Championship to make a tier six league.

The other 47 teams will fight it out in a conference system, likely to be three divisions, which will then decide the leagues from tier seven and down.

West of Scotland League chairman Dave McKenna sent an email to clubs saying: "Following a video conference this afternoon with the Scottish Football Association, the long-running discussions on the setting up of the West of Scotland Football League within the pyramid have finally been concluded.

"During the meeting it was made very clear that our clubs were extremely disappointed that "all in" balanced conferences would not be introduced from season 1, however, it was confirmed that option was not on the table.

"After constructive discussions it was agreed that there will be a top division of 20 teams. This will be made up of the 16 teams from the West Region Premiership plus Darvel Juniors, Cumbernauld United and Blantyre Victoria from West Region Championship and Bonnyton Thistle. The remaining teams will be allocated to balanced conferences.

"There will be promotion and relegation across the league at the end of season 1. The details of that will be agreed when we have a clearer picture of what the playing season looks like, given all the current uncertainties.

"This new structure will be subject to formal ratification, required by the Scottish Football Association process, and we can now proceed to move forward to make a success of our new league."