Hearts begin SWPL defence at home to Aberdeen

Hearts will start their defence of the SWPL title at home to Aberdeen on Sunday 16 August. Last season's runners-up Rangers will begin the campaign with a trip to Links Park to face Montrose. Sky Sports Cup holders Glasgow City meet Scottish Cup winners Celtic at Petershill Park, having finished third and fifth respectively. 2025 champions Hibernian, who were fourth last term, host Motherwell, while newly-promoted Spartans will be at home to Partick Thistle. The first Edinburgh derby will take place on 4 October, with the reverse fixture on 15 November. The capital bragging rights were split last season, with both sides winning two of the four fixtures. Rangers and Celtic will meet on 27 September and 15 November. Leanne Crichton's side had the upper hand last time, as Rangers won all four league matches. Hearts will be coached by Andy Thomson, who has moved from his assistant's role at Rangers to replace Eva Olid, who clinched the club's first title in her final match in charge. Visit our fixtures page for details of the 2026-27 schedule.