From 1999 until 2015, the SWFL First Division (SWFL 1) was the second tier of Scottish women's football; its Premier Division broke off to create the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) in 2002.

The modern Scottish women's leagues began in 1972–73, when Westthorn United won the national title.

[10] The women's Ayrshire derby, Ayr–Kilmarnock, was a key match in the national title race in each season in the early 2000s.

[11] Ayr United were Scotland's first representative in the UEFA Women's Cup in 2001–02, as a group host at Somerset Park.

[14][15][16] Falkirk Ladies won promotion from the Third Division in 1999–2000;[17] later seasons' champions were Baillieston (2000–01),[18] and F.C.

[26] In 2016, the SWPL expanded to two divisions, meaning the SWFL was now at the third and fourth tiers of the league structure.

The new fourth tier, named the SWFL, operated regional divisions in a separate 'Recreational' category, with no automatic promotion or relegation for its clubs.

Following the 2019 reorganisation, this reverted to a single SWFL League Cup competition, with a 'Plate' for clubs eliminated in the opening round.