The Scottish Premiership has made the decision to phase out artificial pitches in the top flight by late 2026. This comes after a resolution was issued by the SPFL for all 12 Premiership clubs to vote on, with nine votes needed for it to pass. Next season’s top flight will feature Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee, Dundee United, Hearts, Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Rangers, St Johnstone, St Mirren and either Raith Rovers or Ross County.
Livingston and Kilmarnock are currently the only clubs with artificial pitches in the Premiership. However, Kilmarnock plans to return to a grass surface by 2025. Hamilton Academical who have been promoted to the Championship previously used artificial turf in the top flight between 2008 and 2011 and from 2014 to 2021. The SPFL board has allowed a two-year period for clubs with artificial pitches to transition to grass before the ban takes effect.
In an effort to improve the standard of grass pitches in the cinch Premiership, the SPFL has approved plans for a league-wide project in collaboration with a leading pitch consultancy firm frequented by Uefa. This project will involve working closely with Premiership clubs to enhance the quality of grass pitches before the upcoming season.
