Scottish Fixtures released and Celtic and Rangers avoid each other

 

Newly promoted Rangers are at home to Hamilton, while last season's runners-up Aberdeen travel to St Johnstone.

The first Old Firm derby of the season, following Rangers' four-year absence from the top flight, is scheduled for 10 September at Celtic Park.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle host Highland rivals Ross County on the second weekend of the campaign.

County and Caley Thistle meet again in the New Year fixtures, with Celtic travelling to Ibrox and Hearts taking on Aberdeen at Tynecastle.

There will be a winter break after the New Year games, with the action resuming on 28 January

Celtic were scheduled to face Partick Thistle on 13 August but the champions will use an opt-out option for a friendly with Inter Milan to mark the 50th anniversary season of their 1967 European Cup triumph against the Italians.

The champions are aiming to win their sixth consecutive Scottish title, with new manager Brendan Rodgers the man charged with maintaining their domestic success. The former Liverpool boss was named as successor to Ronny Deila, who resigned at the end of the season after delivering two Premiership titles during his spell at the club but was undermined by failures in Europe.

Opening fixtures: Weekend of 6 August:

Partick Thistle v Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Kilmarnock v Motherwell

St Johnstone v Aberdeen

Ross County v Dundee

Heart of Midlothian v Celtic

Rangers v Hamilton Academical

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