Hearts chase history as Rangers reach critical point
The Scottish top flight is unique terrain in that regard. Two champion clubs in 40 years. In England, there's been nine, in Germany there's been seven, in Spain the number is five, in Italy it's seven, in France it's 10.
Of the top-20 countries in the Uefa rankings, Scotland's top league stands alone in the blanket power of just two teams. Poland, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden have had 10 or more winners of their top league in the years of Old Firm dominance. It's why, almost on a weekly basis from months back, Hearts have been contacted by media organisations from around the continents.
This ceased to be a Scotland-only story an age ago. It's not even European any more. Hearts' pursuit of history has gone global.
Rangers are now at a critical point in their season. Another false move and they're done. Lose on Monday and they're seven points behind with three games to go.
Win and this magnificently turbulent season will take another massive lurch. All bets would be off. There wouldn't be enough smelling salts in the country to satisfy the demand, not enough brown paper bags for fans of the three contenders to hyperventilate into.