Twelve clubs have been selected to compete in the new Scottish Lowland Football League from season 2013/14.
The successful clubs are: Spartans FC, Threave Rovers FC, Preston Athletic FC, Gretna FC (2008), Whitehill Welfare FC, Dalbeattie Star FC, East Kilbride FC, Selkirk FC, Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, Edinburgh City FC, University of Stirling FC and Vale of Leithen FC.
One major surprise was the selection of East Kilbride FC and the absense of any club from the Scottish Junior League.
Twenty-seven clubs from the East of Scotland and South of Scotland Leagues, and members of the Scottish Junior FA, initially expressed an interest in joining the new league, but only 17 formal applications were received.
Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said: “This is an exciting opportunity for all 12 clubs, and another step forward for league reconstruction in Scotland.
“It’s important that ambitious clubs are given opportunities to progress. With the Scottish Lowland Football League running in tandem with the Scottish Highland Football League from next season, we are on track to create a pyramid system feeding into the senior leagues.
“The hard work now continues with the creation of the new league board, appointment of office bearers and detailed planning ahead of the start of the new season in August.
“On behalf of the Scottish FA, I wish all 12 clubs the very best of luck for the new season and beyond.”
The dozen teams have been selected by a steering group, made up of Scottish FA Executive, Licensing Committee and club representatives, based on their ability to meet Scottish FA club licensing criteria.
Three of the sides — Spartans, Threave Rovers and Preston Athletic — are licensed member clubs but the remaining nine must comply by May 2015.
The decision will be ratified by the Scottish FA board at its meeting on June 27.
The inaugural general meeting of the Scottish Lowland Football League will be held on June 24, when board members will be selected.
Pending the formation of the new Scottish Professional Football League, play-offs between the bottom division and the Scottish Lowland Football League and Scottish Highland Football League should begin at the end of season 2014/15.