Celtic began their defence of the Ladbrokes Premiership title by thrashing St Johnstone 7-0 at Parkhead, helped by a Ryan Christie hat-trick. Scott Allan scored late on as Hibernian beat St Mirren 1-0 at Easter Road and Ross County marked their top-flight return with a 3-0 home victory over Hamilton Accies. Livingston and Motherwell drew 0-0 at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Lawrence Shankland enjoyed a dream league debut for Dundee United by scoring all four of their goals in a 4-1 win against Inverness CT at Tannadice. Ayr United saw off Morton 4-2 at Somerset Park while Partick Thistle hit back for a 1-1 draw at Alloa Athletic. Arbroath’s first game in the Ladbrokes Championship since 2002/03 ended 0-0 against Queen of the South at Gayfield.
Ladbrokes League 1 favourites Falkirk were held to a 0-0 draw by Peterhead at Balmoor in their opening game. Raith Rovers kicked off with a 1-0 win at Dumbarton and Forfar Athletic chalked up a 2-0 victory at Airdrieonians. Clyde and East Fife drew 1-1 at Broadwood while Stranraer and Montrose finished 2-2 at Stair Park.
Cove Rangers celebrated their first match in Ladbrokes League 2 by thumping Edinburgh City 5-0 at the Balmoral Stadium. Mitch Megginson and Harry Milne both bagged doubles as City ended with nine men. Albion Rovers claimed a 3-2 win away to Stenhousemuir and Queen's Park edged out Stirling Albion 1-0 at Forthbank. Elgin City dismissed Cowdenbeath 3-0 at Borough Briggs and Annan Athletic were 1-0 winners against Brechin City at Glebe Park.
