The 1996–97 season was the 100th season of competitive football in Scotland.

This season saw a playoff system introduced between the second bottom club in the Premier Division and the second-top club in Division One.

[1] Champions: Rangers Relegated: Raith Rovers (Hibernian win 5–2 on aggregate)[2] Promoted: St. Johnstone Relegated: Clydebank, East Fife Promoted: Ayr United, Hamilton Academical Relegated: Dumbarton, Berwick Rangers Promoted: Inverness CT, Forfar Athletic Average coefficient – 3.125 Key: