[1] The competition began with the first round match between Rangers and Oxford on 10 October 1874 and concluded with the final on 10 April 1875.

The home team for each tie was determined by the toss of a coin unless it was mutually agreed or only one of the two clubs drawn against one another had a private ground.

The rules specifically forbade players from kicking and hacking their opponents as well as from wearing "projecting nails, iron plates or gutta percha" on the soles of their boots.

[4] On the same day, Eastern secured their passage to the second round with a 3–0 win over 23rd Renfrew RV and the 3rd Lanark RV–Barrhead and Rovers–Hamilton ties both went to replays.

[5][9] Clydesdale defeated Dumbreck 1–0 but a successful protest from Drumbreck resulted in the SFA ordering the match to be replayed.

[4] 3rd Lanark RV also advanced to the quarter-finals after overcoming Standard in a replay following goalless draws in the original matches.

[5] Sources:[4] Only two matches were played in the quarter-finals after Rovers scratched their tie with Queen's Park and Clydesdale received a bye to the semi-finals.

[1][5] Both matches finished 1–0 to the home teams as Renton saw off Eastern on Boxing Day 1874 and Dumbarton defeated 3rd Lanark RV on 30 January 1875.

[1][5] Sources:[4] After 26 matches played and 53 goals scored, the tournament culminated in the 1875 Scottish Cup Final on 10 April 1875.

[2] The match, played at the original Hampden Park in Crosshill, was watched by 7,000 spectators and refereed by A. Campbell of Clydesdale.