THE Lowland League season kicks off this weekend.

And three clubs are representing the Borders this campaign.

Gala Fairydean Rovers will host last season’s Lowland League Cup champions Cumbernauld Colts; Selkirk will visit K-Park to play Brian Kerr’s East Kilbride and Vale of Leithen will head to the capital to take on Civil Service Strollers at Christie Gillies Park (all 3pm).

Gala boss Dean Shanks says he knows his side faces a tough match, but is confident after the way his team played during pre-season.

He told the Border Telegraph: “Pre-season has gone very well for us and we are happy with the squad we have.

“We have managed to bring in some very good players so hopefully we can have a good season.

“We want to give the many folk who come to watch us a reason to get excited and enjoy coming to Netherdale.

“Cumbernauld will be a big test for us.

“However it is nice to have the game at home.

“They are a good side and they obviously had a good cup win at the end of last season.

“I think the game will be a good indicator to see where we actually are.

“But I am sure that if we perform well, we can have a good go.”

It has been all change at Selkirk recently.

But new boss Terry Ferguson says his side can’t wait to get back into competitive action.

He told us: “We know East Kilbride have quality in abundance, so it is our job to go and make it difficult for them.

“If you can’t get excited for these games, you shouldn’t be in football.

“We are definitely a work in progress – we have a new squad.

“It has been a rebuilding job, but everyone is looking forward to get going again.”

Vale boss Chris Anderson has also strengthened his squad with the signings of the likes of former Gala man David Bonnar, as well as Ryan Currie and Paul Dickson.

And he is also looking forward to the challenge that awaits him on Saturday – a trip to Gary Jardine’s Civil Service.

Anderson told us: “We have managed to sign a few new players over the last month or so, so we are looking stronger now.

“We have had a good pre-season, but that doesn’t count for too much.

“It is mainly about fitness, so we are really looking forward to getting back into it on Saturday.”