Hearts are back in the SPL where they belong, while Hibs will be eyeing the Scottish Cup – Angus Robertson

It has been a challenging season for Hearts but to bounce back and win the Championship has been a real test of of character.

Steven Naismith lifts the Scottish Championship trophy (Picture: SNS)

Last year they were controversially relegated after the Scottish Premier League was forced to end prematurely because of Covid.

There was no great fanfare as Hearts captain Steven Naysmith lifted the Championship trophy at Saturday’s final home game of the season. All Jambos – myself included – will be delighted to see the club return to the SPL next season where they rightfully deserve to be.

Meanwhile, I’d like to send my best wishes to all pals who support Hibs and St Johnstone after both sides secured Scottish Cup semi-final berths after penalty shootouts.

On Saturday, the Easter Road side overcame Motherwell in a 4-2 shootout after a 2-all draw at full-time.

And St Johnstone upset the odds with a 4-2 penalty victory against Rangers after a 1-all draw in regulation time. The man of the match was goalkeeper Zander Clark who saved two kicks from the spot shortly after a 122-minute assist which had tied the match.

Having won the League Cup in February for the first time in the club’s history, the Perth side will look at the realistic potential of a domestic cup double.

Meanwhile Hibs, who are third in the SPL, can also look forward to the rest of the competition with some confidence. It would be their first cup win since the famous 2016 victory saw them end their 114-year wait.

Angus Robertson is SNP candidate for Edinburgh Central

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