SCOTTISH Cup football could be heading to Olivebank after Musselburgh Athletic was given a major boost.

The Burgh confirmed this week that they have received a Scottish Football Association (SFA) licence, which opens the door to taking part in the country’s top cup competition on an annual basis.

It also means Musselburgh could make the step up to the Scottish Lowland Football League – Scotland’s fifth tier of football – and beyond.

Karl Cleghorn, club president, described it as “the launchpad” for the club.

He said: “I never slept all night on the Wednesday night.

“It was a mixture of excitement, anticipation and I knew we were getting it and had all the boxes ticked.

“Five years or more of work in just over two years – it is unbelievable.

“We are so pleased down here – this is the launchpad for the whole of the club in the community for the future.

“I am really pleased that the SFA is continuing to give clubs like us the chance and we are following Tranent Juniors and Dunbar United and we are just really pleased.”

Changes have been made on and off the pitch to satisfy criteria set by Scottish football’s governing body.

Floodlights have been installed while new procedures have been put in place to tackle everything from social media to discrimination and accessibility.

Mr Cleghorn told Courier Sport “hundreds of hours” of work by “dozens of people” had been carried out to achieve the dream.

He said: “They have worked tirelessly most weekends through good and indifferent weather.

“We have got huge support from East Lothian Council, from the community out there and we have had a positive from all around Wallyford and Whitecraig, as well as Musselburgh, to get this project done.

“We can start to look at what potential Musselburgh has got.”

The club is gearing up for another season in the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division, with Kevin Milne at the helm following the departure of Kevin McDonald.

A curtailed season played behind closed doors will soon be banished to history when Musselburgh – and Musselburgh fans – welcome Sauchie to Olivebank on July 20.

Mr Cleghorn said the club would be “drawing breath” after the hard work of recent years but was determined to see the club reach its potential on and off the pitch.

Relations are being further strengthened with community groups and the club president felt the granting of the SFA licence would “spur” the club in the right direction.

He added: “We can calm down now, get the season underway and deal with Covid every day and then look at the potential of the club.

“Olivebank is a fine arena for football and other associated events and we aim to continue to bring the community on side and to work away with partners.

“You will hear it from others but East Lothian Council have been very supportive and we are now making greater ties with Musselburgh Windsor Football Club.”