Both the First and Second Divisions now contained 14 teams, previously considered a difficult number to ensure a balanced schedule.

A 26-game programme, with every team playing each other home and away, was considered too short, a 52-game programme (with each team playing each other home and away twice) too congested.

A 39-game schedule would leave an imbalance with each side having two fixtures at home against some teams, and one against others.

The Scottish Football League addressed the problem by opting for a 26-game calendar and introducing a supplementary competition, the Spring Cup, open only to teams from the First and Second Divisions, to be played at the season's end.

Champions: Rangers Relegated: Dundee, St Johnstone Promoted: Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock Relegated: Dunfermline Athletic, Clyde Promoted: Clydebank, Raith Rovers * – aggregate over two legs 1976 British Home Championship – Winners Key: