Last time Celtic or Rangers didn't win Scottish league title: Gers check Hearts' bid for glory, Bhoys close the gap
The 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season has seen Hearts pull away from the traditional powers. Can they see out a title win?
Last time Celtic or Rangers didn't win Scottish league title: Gers check Hearts' bid for glory, Bhoys close the gap originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season has shaped up in electric fashion.
Scotland's top flight is dominated nearly every season by one or both of the league's giant clubs Celtic and Rangers, both located in Glasgow. However, this term, Rangers have struggled mightily while Celtic have also suffered slips, most notably through the month of October. It is Hearts who are reaping the rewards.
After the Edinburgh club defeated Celtic 3-1 on October 26, dreams of a league title began dancing in the heads of supporters. They then won again at Celtic Park 2-1 on December 7, drawing them seemingly closer to the goal. However, Celtic's re-appointment of Martin O'Neill following Wilfried Nancy's doomed tenure has fired the champions firmly back into contention.
Youssef Chermiti's hat-trick gave Rangers a 4-2 comeback win over Hearts on February 15 at Ibrox, a result that left three points covering the top three in what is shaping up to be a thrilling race for glory. Yet Hearts have benefitted from the return of Lawrence Shankland to full fitness, and have held off the challengers through the start of May, and are now on the precipice of a famous league championship. The Sporting News takes a look back decades ago at the last time a Scottish club other than Celtic or Rangers won the domestic league title.