GLAMOUR Scottish Cup ties at Foresters Park featuring Scottish footballing giants could become a reality.

Tranent Juniors are hopeful of securing a full Scottish Football Association (SFA) licence, which would allow them entry to both the national cup and also open the door to promotion to the Lowland League – the fifth tier of Scottish football.

Planning permission was recently granted for eight floodlights to be installed at the football ground, with the committee confident they will be in place by the end of the season and the licence approved.

Matthew Wright, commercial manager at the club, said a lot of hard work had gone on behind the scenes, including the setting up of a Justgiving page.

He said: “There are four floodlights going up either side of the pitch.

“The cost, speaking to suppliers and contractors, is looking at around £40,000.

“We had a recent sold-out fundraiser which was very well received by the community and there have been a couple of large, private donations by people who want to remain anonymous.

“The hardcore Belters have really got behind us and there have been some fantastic contributions.

“It is pretty heart-warming; to be honest, we are amazed.”

The installation of the floodlights, which will be about 15 metres tall, and the securing of the SFA licence will also open a number of other doors.

Tranent Juniors have been on an upwards trajectory, with three cups won in recent years, as well as securing a place in the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division, which they currently top.

Mr Wright felt the club was heading in the right direction, with the possibility of Lowland League and full Scottish Cup football on the horizon. He said: “The SFA licence gives us entry to the preliminary rounds of the Scottish Cup.

“It would allow us to play ties at Tranent if we got through the rounds.

“It would be phenomenal getting the full licence.

“We thought we were there and had passed it in November or December last year but it changed at the last minute and nothing could be done.”

Currently, Preston Athletic are the only East Lothian side who compete in the Scottish Cup.

In recent years, they have hosted Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) sides including Montrose, Queen’s Park, who they also faced at Hampden Park, and Annan Athletic.

Mr Wright, who has been involved with Tranent Juniors for four years, highlighted that Dunbar United, Haddington Athletic and Musselburgh Athletic were all looking to gain a full licence as well.

He said: “It is fantastic for all these clubs to be participating in the preliminary rounds of the Scottish Cup.

“Once you get through the first two rounds, then you can draw anyone from the Championship (the second tier of Scottish football) down.

“You look at Bonnyrigg Rose and they got a glamour tie against Hibs.

“That is what we dream of – playing a massive tie at Foresters Park or away from home. Financially, that is what you dream of.”