The debate about the best football stadium in Scotland has long sparked strong emotions, with opinions often influenced by club loyalties. For Rangers fans, the legendary Ibrox is the site of unforgettable European nights, while Celtic Park wows with its light shows, and Hampden holds the title of the national stadium.

Gayfield – a stadium in a stunning location

Located just a few meters from the North Sea, Gayfield was described by a groundhopper, Hugh MacDonald, as a venue with a wonderful atmosphere, offering fans not only unique experiences but also a fantastic supporters’ pub with excellent food and a first-rate vibe. In his article for the Daily Mail, MacDonald recalls watching North Sea waves splashing over the opposite stand – a view that, according to him, should be immortalized by David Attenborough.

Built in 1880 and renovated in 1925, Gayfield has a modest capacity of 6,600 spectators, although its record attendance reached 13,510 during a 1952 match between Arbroath and Rangers. Known for its extreme weather conditions, Gayfield exudes a unique charm. MacDonald admits he only visits once a season because any more would be spoiling myself.

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© Abroath FC | Gayfield Park

Cappielow – number one in the ranking

Despite his great respect for Gayfield, MacDonald considers Cappielow – home of Greenock Morton – to be the best stadium in Scotland. He describes it as a stadium that cannot be recreated or confused with any other. Situated in the shadow of a crane, Cappielow is, according to him, a strong symbol of Scotland’s industrial past. He adds: It’s a reminder of what made Greenock and Scotland great. A quiet reproach to those who sold out industry. Yet, Cappielow endures.

© celticphotos | Celtic Park (Parkhead)

Glasgow’s grand stadiums miss out on the top spot

None of Glasgow's most famous stadiums made it to the top three in the ranking. Somerset Park, home of Ayr United, took third place, while Celtic Park finished fourth. However, MacDonald admits to a slight bias against Celtic Park, as it was the first large stadium he attended a match at. He describes it as a repository of memories, with ghosts of the past lingering over the pitch.

Ibrox, home of Rangers, only managed fifth place. According to MacDonald, it’s an impressive structure, known for its incredible noise during matches. Hampden Park, the national stadium of Scotland and home to Queen’s Park, barely made it into the top ten. MacDonald jokes that Hampden divides public opinion just like Moses divided the Red Sea, adding with a wink: Though, of course, Hampden is much wetter.

© Rick Finnelly | Hampden Park

MacDonald’s worst stadium

Edinburgh City fans may not be thrilled – their home stadium, Meadowbank, ranked last on the list, at 41st place. MacDonald humorously notes that the distance from the stands to the pitch is so great that one might consider packing a telescope into their laptop bag before heading to cover a match.