The summer transfer window of 2026 has seen significant activity across Scottish League 1, with clubs making strategic moves to bolster their squads ahead of the new season. This article provides a detailed overview of the players brought in and let go by each club in Scotland's third tier.
Airdrieonians have been particularly active, welcoming new head coach John Rankin from Ayr United. The club has added several players, including midfielder Ewan Simpson from Aston Villa and goalkeeper Jamie Sneddon from Falkirk. Additionally, they have strengthened their defense with the acquisition of Henry James from Heart of Midlothian and Declan Gallagher from Ross County. Notably, Airdrieonians have also signed forward Matty Yates from Linfield and have brought in a host of other talents, including Dapo Mebude and Kian Taylor. However, the club has seen the departure of head coach Aaron Taylor-Sinclair and several players, including Chris Mochrie to St Mirren and Aaron Reid to Crusaders.
Alloa Athletic has also made notable changes to their roster. The club has signed midfielders Flynn McCafferty from Falkirk and Grant Marchant from Kilmarnock, alongside goalkeeper Ross Stewart from Queen of the South. They have also secured loan deals for Kyle Glasgow and Max Cameron from Rangers, enhancing their attacking options. Departures include forward Conor Sammon, who has retired, and Kalvin Orsi, who has joined Hamilton Academical.
Cove Rangers have brought in a mix of experience and youth, with Aaron Fraser and Tristan Stephen joining from Aberdeen, and Jordan White from Ross County. The club has also secured loans for Dylan Ross and Joseph Teasdale from Aberdeen. However, they have seen the exit of several players, including Mitch Megginson and Blair Yule, both moving to Peterhead.
East Fife has made key additions, including goalkeeper Derek Gaston from Stirling Albion and forward Myles Gaffney from Annan Athletic. They have also completed a loan deal for Connor Dow from Heart of Midlothian. The club has seen a significant number of players depart, including Michael McKenna to Arbroath and Destiny Oladipo to Cove Rangers.
East Kilbride has welcomed a host of new players, including defenders Owen Calder from Hibernian and Andrew Kyle from Celtic. The club has also secured the services of Shay Kelly from St Mirren and several midfielders. However, they have lost key players such as Rhys Breen to Portadown and John Robertson to Raith Rovers.
Hamilton Academical has made several signings, including forward Andy Ryan from Larne and Dom Thomas from Airdrieonians. They have also added multiple players from Greenock Morton, strengthening their squad significantly. Departures include Kevin O'Hara to Larne and Oli Shaw to Dunfermline Athletic.
Montrose has added several new faces, including forward Gary Oliver from Falkirk and midfielder Shaun Byrne from Raith Rovers. The club has also seen several players leave, including Taylor Sutherland to Hamilton Academical and Craig Brown to Stirling Albion.
Peterhead has made some impactful signings, bringing in forwards Mitch Megginson and Blair Yule from Cove Rangers, as well as goalkeeper Lewis McKelvie from Dundee. They have also secured loans for several players from Aberdeen. However, they have lost Niall McGinn to Derry City and Kieran Shanks to Ayr United.
Finally, Queen of the South has undergone a managerial change, appointing Nicky Clark as player-manager. The club has made several signings, including goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet from Dunfermline Athletic and defenders Zander MacKenzie from Partick Thistle. Departures include manager Peter Murphy and several key players to various clubs.
As the new season approaches, these transfers will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape of Scottish League 1, with clubs aiming to improve their standings and push for promotion.
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