Hearts Lead the Way as Scottish Premiership Title Race Intensifies
London, 15 February 2026 – The Scottish Premiership title race has reached a fever pitch as Heart of Midlothian maintain their position at the summit of the table. Following a dramatic late victory in the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian, the Tynecastle club has established a significant gap over traditional heavyweights Celtic and Rangers. With Danny Röhl’s Rangers side recently dropping points at Motherwell, the pressure has shifted back to the Glasgow giants to close the distance on the league leaders.
Hearts Move Six Points Clear
A late 88th-minute strike from Tomas Magnusson secured a 1-0 victory for Hearts against Hibernian, a result described by analysts as one of the most significant derby wins in the capital’s history. This victory, combined with Rangers’ 3-1 defeat at the hands of Celtic in January and their recent slip-up at Fir Park, has allowed Hearts to move six points clear at the top of the standings. While Hearts currently lead, both Rangers and Celtic hold games in hand that could prove pivotal as the season enters its final stages.
Scottish Premiership Standings: Key Facts
The following table represents the current standings at the top of the William Hill Premiership as of 15 February 2026. Please note that matches played and goal differences reflect the most recent league updates.
| Position | Club | Played | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heart of Midlothian | 27 | +28 | 58 |
| 2 | Celtic | 26 | +22 | 54 |
| 3 | Rangers | 27 | +24 | 53 |
| 4 | Motherwell | 26 | +5 | 38 |
League Developments and Postponements
Inclement weather has continued to impact the fixture schedule, with Dundee United’s recent match against Aberdeen postponed following a pitch inspection. This marks the third such postponement in recent weeks, adding to a growing fixture backlog for several clubs. Meanwhile, in the individual honours, Rangers head coach Danny Röhl was named the Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month for January after leading his side to a perfect record during the first month of the year, including a notable win over Celtic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the defending Scottish Premiership champions?
Celtic are the current defending champions, having secured the league title during the 2024–25 season.
How many teams compete in the Scottish Premiership?
The league consists of 12 clubs, with a system of promotion and relegation operating between the Premiership and the Scottish Championship.
When was the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) founded?
The SPFL was established in 2013 following the merger of the Scottish Premier League (SPL) and the Scottish Football League (SFL).
Which team has the most top-flight titles in Scottish history?
Rangers and Celtic have historically dominated the top flight. Rangers held the record for the most titles for much of the 20th century, though the two clubs remain closely matched in total league championships won since the league’s inception in 1890.