PLASTIC PITCHES #3: Can Livingston charm, convince and cajole the sceptics?

Turf quality control wasn’t a high enough priority in West Lothian — now the Lions may need to lay two new surfaces in a single year

Welcome to part III of award-winning sportswriter Stephen McGowan’s investigation series into the pros and cons of artificial surfaces.

🗣️ On Wednesday, Falkirk chief executive Jamie Swinney explained how he can win hearts and minds round to plastic.

🗣️ In yesterday’s part II, Stephen considered the case of Norway, where the climate means that 12 out of the 16 top-flight clubs play on synthetic turf.

In today’s final part, Stephen considers Livingston’s promotion, which brings the Premiership’s number of artificial surfaces up to three.

Parts two and three are for paid subscribers.

Nutmeg FC is a unique, independent voice in Scottish football, featuring unmissable writers including Daniel Gray, Nick Harris, Adam Clery and Stephen McGowan. Please join the ranks of Nutmeg FC to unlock every single post from our fantastic team.

By Stephen McGowan

The scenes of wild jubilation which followed Tete Yengi’s decisive goal in the sixth minute of added time failed to reflect a broader apprehension across Scottish football.

On a night of Dingwall drama, Livingston scratched their way back from 2-0 down to overcome Ross County and secure a return to the Scottish Premiership. Chris Sutton was the first to communicate what others were thinking.

This season Kilmarnock were the only team to play top-flight football on an artificial surface. In season 2025/26 they will be joined by Falkirk and now Livingston, prompting the former Celtic striker to write on social media site X: “Three plastic pitches in the Scottish Premiership next season.” Three face palm emojis implied a lack of enthusiasm for the idea.

Some believe Livingston have only themselves to blame for that. When it comes to winning hearts and minds over the use of artificial surfaces, manager David Martindale has been an outspoken advocate of their use.

Livingston’s players after their dramatic play-off final comeback win… but not everyone in Scottish football was celebrating their top-flight return.

The trouble is that actions speak louder than words. And while other clubs employ ground staff and spend £300,000 a year on preserving their grass, pitch maintenance has never seemed high on the list of priorities at the Set Fare Arena.