Pars face derby opener

Dunfermline will play Cowdenbeath in a Fife derby at Central Park on the opening day of the Scottish First Division season.

The fixture, announced on Monday morning, will take place on August 11, providing Dunfermline are still in the First Division. Jim Jefferies' side could be placed back in the SPL if Rangers are demoted to the Scottish Football League, although Dundee also feel the have a right to take up the 12th space in the top flight after finishing as runners-up in Division One lat season. If Dunfermline are put back in the Scottish Premier League they will travel to Kilmarnock on the opening day, rather than Division Two champions Cowdenbeath. In other fixtures Falkirk start their campaign away at Partick Thistle while Raith Rovers host Hamilton Academical.