SPL fixtures: Edinburgh clubs face Old Firm opener

Hearts and Hibs face an Old Firm double header on the opening day of the season, with the Jambos travelling to Ibrox while Celtic head for Easter Road.

• Ibrox Stadium

And Capital fans won't have to wait long for the first Edinburgh derby with Colin Calderwood due to take his side across the city to face Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday, August 27.

Last season Hearts and Hibs supporters had to wait until the beginning of November for the first clash of Edinburgh's big two. Hibs will host the second derby of the season, the "New Year's Day" game pencilled in for Monday, January 2.

Hearts' first home match of the season will see Dundee United in Gorgie on Sunday, July 31, with Jim Jefferies' side due to be in Europa League action the previous Thursday.

• Colin Calderwood tells Hibs to 'hit the ground running'

The opening day fixtures, on Saturday, July 23, will also see SPL new boys Dunfermline at home to St Mirren, while St Johnstone will travel to Aberdeen and Motherwell host Inverness Caley.

However, Dundee United and Kilmarnock face a delayed start, with kick-off at Tannadice pushed back 24 hours as the Tayside outfit will have played a Europa League tie the Thursday beforehand.

Having taken advantage of the SPL's offer to postpone an early fixture to stage a friendly match, Hibs will need to seek a new date for their home match against St Johnstone on August 6, with Calderwood's side due to face English Premier League club Sunderland that day.

Hearts fans, though, won't be too happy at the prospect of a midweek Festive trip to Aberdeen, the game at Pittodrie down for Wednesday, December 28, when Hibs are at home to Inverness.