Ayrshire sides discover Scottish Cup opponents

The draw for the first round proper of the Scottish Cup was conducted on Sunday, with several standout ties involving Ayrshire sides from across the divisions.

It will be déjà vu for fierce rivals Cumnock Juniors and Auchinleck Talbot, who have been paired together at this stage of the competition for the second consecutive season following their televised encounter at Beechwood in September 2025.

This latest East Ayrshire derby will see Stephen Swift’s Cumnock host Tommy Sloan’s Talbot at Townhead Park, with the two sides having made contrasting starts to their Lowland League West campaigns.

West of Scotland League First Division side Bonnyton Thistle also made history in the third preliminary round after defeating Camelon 3-2 at the Chilton Flooring Arena.

A late Jordan Baird goal secured a first-round tie against East Stirlingshire for the Kilmarnock side, despite surrendering a two-goal lead against the East of Scotland Premier Division leaders.

Speaking to Now Ayrshire, Thistle assistant manager Eoin Waite said the club is relishing the occasion.

He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be through to the first round proper. There’s a real buzz around the club at the moment and everyone is looking forward to this upcoming tie.

“Camelon was a really tough test and a big scalp for us, so to come through a game like that says a lot about the character and effort within the group. East Stirlingshire will give us another great challenge and the opportunity to test ourselves against a team from a higher level.”

Bonnyton’s victory means they have reached the first round proper of the Scottish Cup for only the second time in the club’s history.

Their previous appearance came in the 2022/23 season, when they were defeated away to Musselburgh Athletic.

The other third preliminary round tie involving an Ayrshire side saw Jamie McKim’s Irvine Meadow record a 2-0 victory over Benburb at New Tinto Park.

That result sets up an away tie against Bo’ness United of the Lowland League East.

Elsewhere, Largs will travel to face Gala Fairydean Rovers, while Beith will host Highland League side Huntly.

Troon face a long trip north to take on Deveronvale, while Chris Strain’s Kilwinning Rangers will travel to face Penicuik Athletic.

The first-round ties of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup are scheduled to be played on the weekend of October 3.