This season saw the introduction of the Scottish Football League with ten teams competing.

Dumbarton and Rangers were declared joint champions after drawing a play-off game 2–2 at Cathkin Park, Glasgow on 21 May 1891.

Renton started the season as members of the Scottish Football League, but were expelled for professionalism (the game was still officially amateur at this stage).

Also, Celtic, Third Lanark and Cowlairs were all docked four points for fielding ineligible players.

The Edinburgh Evening Dispatch newspaper awarded silver cups to the winners of each match.