Celtic to start with Ross County test

Scottish Premier League champions Celtic will open their title defence with a home fixture against Ross County on August 3.

Celtic, who have won the SPL two years running, beat County just once in their four meetings last season, with two ending in draws and one in a win for Derek Adams’ side.

Partick Thistle’s first SPL match in nine years will see them host Dundee United on the opening weekend, while last year’s runners-up, Motherwell, travel to Hibernian on August 4.

Other clashes on the first weekend will see Aberdeen host Kilmarnock and St Johnstone face financially troubled Hearts, while St Mirren travel to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

For the second consecutive season, Celtic’s arch-rivals Rangers will not be in the top light, with Ally McCoist’s side to compete in Second Division this campaign.

Rangers, who were relegated to Third Division for financial irregularities, won the league last season.