It would have been the 50th season of Scottish Football League, but the outbreak of the Second World War on 3 September 1939 caused the suspension of the league after five rounds of games played in Division One, and four rounds in Division Two.

The Scottish League officially suspended its competition on 13 September 1939 and set up a committee to investigate the possibility of regional league competitions.

These were rubber-stamped on 26 September after the Home Secretary had granted permission, they commenced a month later.

This left six of the previous league clubs; Montrose, Brechin City, Forfar Athletic, Leith Athletic, Edinburgh City and East Stirlingshire.

Cowdenbeath resigned halfway through the season, they had played all the other clubs once and so their record was allowed to stand.