HADDINGTON Athletic and Tranent Juniors have been given the opportunity to climb the Scottish football pyramid.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) formally rubberstamped the two clubs’ licences, which opens the door to the Scottish Cup (despite concerns this season, see story left) and the potential to reach the Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL) – the fifth tier of Scottish football.

Both clubs were given an indication earlier this summer that the licences would be granted but it was made official last week.

Drew Donaldson, chairman of Haddington Athletic, said a lot of work had been done behind the scenes, as well as infrastructure, such as floodlights and first aid facilities, being put in place.

Mr Donaldson said: “I am immensely proud for the committee. We have all stuck together for a long time.

“If you add up the years we have been involved at the club, it is probably a big number! I mentioned before about the legacy and that we cannot go on forever.

“One of the key things now for Haddington is attracting younger people onto the committee. That has to be now our priority to ensure the future running of the club.”

The installation of floodlights at Haddington’s Millfield and Tranent’s Foresters Park saw both clubs dig deep to cover the cost, with funding also provided by East Lothian Council.

David Innes, Tranent Juniors’ chairman, was delighted to see the progress being made off the park, with the playing surface one of the best in the East of Scotland Football League (EOSFL).

He said: “It is absolutely fantastic for the club and what we set out to do five years ago. We got there and achieved it.

“We are an ambitious club and we want to keep moving on.”

A lengthy list of work was drawn up when the season was brought to a halt in March.

The chairman said the committee had been working hard to tick off the various items, including improving the drainage of the park, painting the facilities and keeping the impressive playing surface looking its best.

The club has also lifted a number of trophies in recent years, including the King Cup in 2019 and the Fife and Lothians Cup and East of Scotland Cup in 2017.

Mr Innes was keen to see that momentum continue and targeted a place in the SLFL but acknowledged this season’s EOSFL Premier Division was going to prove another open affair, with a number of the teams having similar aims to Tranent.