Summer 2026 Scottish Championship Transfers Guide

The summer window has seen a flurry of activity across Scotland’s second tier, with clubs reshaping their squads for the upcoming season. Manager changes and loan‑to‑permanent deals dominate the headlines, while several clubs are freshening their ranks with newcomers from higher leagues and abroad. This guide breaks down every move, highlighting the key stories for each Championship club.

Arbroath Summer Moves

Arbroath added Andy Winter as a forward from Livingston, bringing in Michael McKenna as a midfielder from East Fife, and secured Scott McGill from Stenhousemuir. The club also welcomed defender Brody Paterson from Kelty Hearts and Stuart Morrison from Forfar Athletic on undisclosed terms. Departing are midfielders Harry Cochrane (to Greenock Morton) and Aaron Muirhead (to Annan Athletic), plus a host of defenders and midfielders such as Jack Wilkie, Dapo Mebude, Victor Enem, Ally Spalding, Ross Callachan and others. Loan deals ended for Findlay Marshall, Aidan Nesbitt, Jacob MacIntyre, Tom Lang, Luke Kenny and Lewis Gillie.

These transactions suggest Arbroath are looking to strengthen the backbone of the team after several high‑profile exits. The signings from Livingston and East Fife indicate an emphasis on experience in the opening third, while the departures may free up wage space for further activity. If the new signings integrate well, Arbroath could see a noticeable lift in their promotion challenge.

Ayr United Summer Moves

Ayr United appointed Gary Naysmith as manager, moving him from Stenhousemuir, and also brought in Ben Summers on a permanent deal after a loan spell from Celtic. Other arrivals include defender Luke McBeth from Partick Thistle, forward Ross Taylor from Stenhousemuir, Peterhead’s Kieran Shanks, and Reece Lyon from Queen of the South. Goalkeeper Harry Stone joins on loan from Heart of Midlothian, while Owen Stirton arrives from Dundee United on loan. Out go interim manager John Rankin (to Airdrieonians), Lucas McRoberts, George Oakley, Ben Dempsey, Curtis Main, Stuart Bannigan and several others. Loan outings include Kenzie Mitchell and Ollie Ecrepont to Auchinleck Talbot.

The managerial change signals a new direction for Ayr United after a period of interim leadership. The influx of players from both the Premiership and League One adds depth, while the loan‑to‑permanent move for Ben Summers shows confidence in his development. Keeping key assets and integrating new faces will be crucial for Ayr’s aspirations next term.

Dunfermline Athletic Summer Moves

Dunfermline have signed Kian Corbally from Ballymena United, goalkeeper Musa Dibaga from Crusaders, defender Luke Robinson from Wigan Athletic, and Oli Shaw from Hamilton Academical. A loan deal adds Sam Cleall‑Harding from Dundee United. Departing are Matty Todd (to St Johnstone), Jeremiah Chilokoa‑Mullen (to Wigan Athletic), Sam Young, Chris Hamilton, Sam Fisher, Keiran Ngwenya, Deniz Mehmet, Tashan Oakley‑Boothe, Ewan Otoo, and Kane Ritchie‑Hosler among others. Loan returns include Graham Carey, Aston Oxborough, Olly Thomas, Freddie Turley and others.

The busy window highlights Dunfermline’s intent to rebuild after a transitional spell. Adding experienced overseas talent like Corbally and Dibaga shows a desire to diversify the squad, while the capture of a former Premiership defender like Luke Robinson strengthens the back line. The flood of departures, however, may create a challenge in maintaining continuity, especially with loan players returning to parent clubs.

Greenock Morton Summer Moves

Greenock Morton welcomed forward Jayden Gorman from Dubai City, Bobby McLuckie from Heart of Midlothian, and re‑signed Harry Cochrane from Arbroath. Grant Savoury returns from Queen’s Park, while defender Laiith Fairnie joins from Eastbourne Borough and midfielder Joey O’Toole comes from Jersey Bulls. A loan acquisition adds Callum Sandilands from Heart of Midlothian. Departing are Zak Delaney, Aaron Comrie, Cameron Blues, Fergus Owens, Ali Crawford, Nathan Shaw, Owen Moffat, Kian Taylor, and Zak McKay. Loan endings include James Storer (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Reuben Lopata‑White (Leeds United), Murray Johnson, Curtis Main, and Arron Lyall.

Morton’s overhaul introduces fresh faces from England and Scotland’s top flights, aiming to replace departures that weakened the squad. The returns from high‑league clubs suggest some important assets will be unavailable, potentially testing depth. If the new signings can hit the ground running, Morton could bounce back into the mix for a play‑off spot.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Summer Moves

Inverness have secured Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Duncan from Aberdeen, added Noa Boutin from Bournemouth, and brought Liam Sole from Livingston on a permanent deal after a loan. Hamzad Kargbo joins from Maidstone United. Loan arrivals include Alfie Bavidge, Alfie Stewart and Morgan Bates from Aberdeen, Swansea City and Aberdeen respectively. Out go Ross Millen, Sam Nixon, Robbie Thompson, Oscar MacIntyre, Jake Davidson, Chanka Zimba, Matthew Strachan, Ben Gardiner and Jack Walker. Loan endings feature Alfie Stewart, Mitchell Robertson, Ben Brannan and Kieron Willox.

The recruitment of experienced Scottish internationals like Graeme Shinnie underscores Inverness’s focus on adding leadership. Bringing in overseas talent such as Noa Boutin and Hamzad Kargbo diversifies the attacking options, while the permanent move for Liam Sole signals confidence in his progress. Managing the departure of several home‑grown players will be key for squad cohesion.

Livingston Summer Moves

Livingston appointed Glenn Whelan as head coach and bolstered the ranks with Liam Polworth from Kilmarnock, Sam Nicholson from Motherwell, Cammy Palmer from Glentoran, Tyrese Sinclair from York City, Jack Wilkie from Arbroath, and Jordan Doherty from Raith Rovers. Departing are former manager Marvin Bartley (to Stenhousemuir), Jannik Wanner, Dan Finlayson, Danny Wilson, Andy Winter, Liam Sole, Scott Arfield, Mo Sylla, Joel Nouble, Barrie McKay, Jeremy Bokila, Andrew Shinnie, Samson Lawal, Graham Carey, Lewis Latona, and Codi Stark. Loan endings include Alex Tamm and Macaulay Tait.

The coaching change brings a new tactical approach, while the intake of players from a range of leagues aims to refresh a squad that saw several high‑profile exits. Re‑signing Jack Wilkie indicates a desire to retain local talent where possible. The loss of experienced figures such as Scott Arfield and Andrew Shinnie will require careful rebuilding to maintain competitiveness.

Partick Thistle Summer Moves

Partick Thistle signed Oisin Smyth permanently from St Mirren, Ethan Ingram from Dundee on loan with a permanent option, and brought in Josh Clarke, Ben McPherson and Seb Drodz. Ben Dempsey joins from Ayr United, while Euan Henderson arrives from Airdrieonians. Out go Logan Chalmers, Luke McBeth, Scott Martin, Kyle Turner, Zander MacKenzie, Dan MacKay, Che Campbell and Luis Cameron. Loan endings include Fraser Taylor from St Mirren, while Josh Clarke is loaned out to Doncaster Rovers.

Thistle’s activity shows a focus on strengthening the back line and midfield, leveraging loan‑to‑permanent deals to secure value. The departure of several veteran players may open space for younger talents to step up. Success will depend on how quickly the new signings gel with the existing core.

Queen’s Park Summer Moves

Queen’s Park secured forward Jack Hamilton from Raith Rovers and goalkeeper David Mitchell from Ayr United, plus midfield recurrence with Scott Martin arriving on a permanent deal after a loan from Partick Thistle. Outgoing are goalkeeper Calum Ferrie, defender Harris Afzal, Henry Fieldson, Grant Savoury, Seb Drodz, Timam Scott, Jamie Bradley, Ricky Waugh, Roddy MacGregor, Liam McLeish, Niko Ujdur, Leo Clark, Michael Collie, Connor Falls, Leo Fisher, and Sam MacLachlan.

The reshuffle reflects a transition period, with the club letting go of a batch of players while adding a few key signings. The permanent move for Scott Martin signals a belief in his ability to contribute at this level. Building a new identity will be central for Queen’s Park as the season approaches.

Raith Rovers Summer Moves

Raith Rovers have brought in George Oakley from Ayr United, Kyle Turner from Partick Thistle, Charlie Telfer from Airdrieonians, Zak Delaney from Greenock Morton, Arron Lyall from Ross County, Ross Millen from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and John Robertson from East Kilbride. Goalkeeper Luke Armstrong joins on loan from Cardiff City. Departing are Aidan Glavin, Jordan Doherty, Jack Hamilton, Richard Chin, Shaun Byrne, Josh Mullin, Ross Matthews, Logan Raeside, Ewan Wilson, Paul Nsio, Andrew Winter, Innes Cameron and Darragh O’Connor. Loan endings include Ewan Wilson, Paul Nsio, Andrew Winter, Innes Cameron and Darragh O’Connor.

Raith’s squad overhaul adds experience from nearby clubs and a loan goalkeeper from the English leagues. The array of midfielders suggests a focus on providing variety in creative options. Managing the return of loanees and integrating new faces will be crucial for Raith’s league standing.

Stenhousemuir Summer Moves

Stenhousemuir appointed Marvin Bartley as manager and signed defender Sam Young from Dunfermline Athletic. Loan additions include Callum Penman and Lewis Hodgkiss from St Mirren. Out go former manager Gary Naysmith (to Ayr United), Ross Taylor, Scott McGill, Finlay Gray, Kelsey Ewen (retired). Loan endings feature Olly Whyte, Kane Ritchie‑Hosler and Zeke Cameron from Dunfermline Athletic.

The managerial switch brings a new tactical vision after a period under interim leadership. The signing of Sam Young reinforces the defensive units, while loan stays provide additional depth. The club must replace departing creative options to maintain competitiveness in League One.