Promoted sides shine as Scottish Women’s Football season kicks off

Newly promoted sides to the Barclays national leagues made a strong start to the 2025/26 season on a dramatic opening day in the Championship and League One.Elgin City, Glenrothes Strollers, Cambusdoon and Dunfermline Athletic all recorded their first victories in Barclays Scottish Women’s League One, while last season’s League One champions Bonnyrigg Rose made a huge statement in the Barclays Championship, beating Renfrew Ladies 7-2 at home.A brace from Norwegian forward Mia Lundberg helped Elgin beat Inverurie Locos 4-1 at Borough Briggs, with Louise Proctor grabbing a consolation for the visitors. There were some nasty-looking injuries for former Westdyke stars Kayleigh Traynor (collarbone) and Georgia Park (shoulder) too for Locos.Glenrothes Strollers swpet a very young Hutchison Vale side away 6-0 in Fife, while local rivals Dunfermline Athletic emulated their male counterparts this weekend by beating Airdrie Community Ladies 3-2 away.Cambusdoon recorded a comfortable 5-0 victory against Westdyke at home, while elsewhere in League One St Mirren rescued a point with a 1-1 draw against Dunipace in Denny, and Queen of the South survived an incredible late surge by Edinburgh Caledonia to win 5-4 in the capital.The early Championship opener saw the sides relegated from the SWPL2 meet in Ayrshire, Ayr United running out 5-0 victors over Rossvale with four goals from debutant Chelsea Miller topped off by former Kilwinning striker Molly Bradley.Bonnyrigg Rose came out the traps quickly with six first-half goals, and by the time Renfrew Ladies had caught their breath the game was beyond them. Becky Downs scored a second half brace but Rhea Kilgallon would add to the home side’s tally for an impressive opening day win.Miriam Maclean’s late half-volley from 20 yards gave Inverness Caledonian Thistle three points in Dundee, after home side Dryburgh Athletic had dominated first half possession and looked solid in defence. But Maclean’s shot left the Dryburgh keeper with no chance as it rebounded off the upright and went in at the opposite corner.A Kyla Thomson hat-trick helped Stenhousemuir to a 4-2 away victory over Armadale Thistle in a close fought match, while local rivals Falkirk looked comfortable at home with a 2-0 victory over Morton.The ScottishPower Regional League Cup and Plate group stages also kicked off the SWFL season, with some eye-catching results across the groups. Group six, especially, will be one to watch after Central Girls scored 14 goals against Carron Ladies and Cumbernauld United won 11-1 against Alloa Athletic. Dalbeattie Star hit the ground running in group eight with a 9-0 victory over Newton Stewart, and Dumbarton beat Drumchapel United 6-0 in group five.Dundee West marked their return to regional football with a 10-0 victory over Blairgowrie and Rattray, Arbroath beat newcomers Jeanfield Swifts 9-0 and Grampian beat Stonehaven 6-0 in group two. Further north, Buckie entered the pyramid from the Highlands & Islands league with a comprehensive 13-1 win over Buchan, Huntly dominated Aberdeen City 8-0 and Dyce provided perhaps the result of the round with a 3-2 win over Ross County.