Celtic B will remain in the Lowland League next season, despite suggestions their involvement was coming to an end.
Reports yesterday (16 April) pointed to this weekend marking the side’s final fixture in the division, with a shift in strategy expected behind the scenes.
That has not materialised.
Lowland League chair Thomas Brown has confirmed Celtic will take part in the new Lowland League West setup for the 2026/2027 campaign, keeping the club’s development side in place for a sixth season.
He replied to a user on X, describing the initial reports of the side’s withdrawal as ‘inaccurate’.
They can play for their first team as they are registered to the club, not the team. Also, the news about Celtic B “withdrawing” is inaccurate and they will be on the Lowland League West next season.
— Thomas Brown (@thomasjbrown1) April 16, 2026
Further to my earlier post, my thanks go to @thomasjbrown1 the Chair of the Lowland League for reaching out and confirming that Celtic B WILL in fact participate in Lowland League West 26/27.
Seems the MSM are totally wrong in this regard and so was I. Apologies to all.. pic.twitter.com/vQQoHqcFvy
— The Tartan Groundhopper (@Tartan_GHopper) April 16, 2026
‘The Tartan Groundhopper’ also shared the latest news on X, confirming that the chair had reached out to deny their withdrawal.
The B team, formed in 2021, currently sit mid-table on 46 points after 33 games. It has been a largely uneventful campaign, with little riding on it at either end.
Their presence in the league has never sat comfortably across the Scottish pyramid.
Rangers pulled their B team from the setup two years ago, while Hearts remain involved and are currently third bottom.
Celtic, for now, are staying put.
Initial reports of a potential withdrawal suggested a rethink at Lennoxtown, with a stronger focus on the loan system rather than keeping players in-house at the Lowland League level.
It is an argument that has been gathering weight for some time.
There remains a clear question over what the B team actually delivers.
The pathway to the first team is limited, and performances at this level have rarely translated into meaningful involvement at first-team level.
In contrast, the loan route has started to show signs of life.
Ayr United have become a key partner, offering Championship minutes to several Celtic prospects this season.
Kyle Ure, Francis Turley and Jude Bonnar have all featured regularly at Somerset Park, with Ben Summers joining them in January.
It is a different environment: more physical, less forgiving, and closer to the level required if players are to step into senior football at Celtic.
There is less control from Lennoxtown, with decisions on minutes and roles sitting with the loan club, but the trade-off is exposure to a higher standard than the Lowland League.
That contrast has only sharpened the debate.
For now, Celtic are sticking with both models. Whether that balance holds beyond next season is another question entirely.
