FOUR Borders teams have been drawn together in the new East of Scotland Conference.

With a total of 26 teams joining the league for next season, officials conducted a ballot to create three Conferences.

And at the end of the season, the winners of each Conference will take part in a round-robin play-off to decide the champions.

Hawick Royal Albert, who were ceded due to their relegation from the Lowland League, head Conference A where they are joined by Peebles Rovers, Coldstream and Tweedmouth Rangers.

Also in the 13-team Conference A are former junior teams such as Penicuik Athletic, Newtongrange Star, Musselburgh Athletic and Arniston Rangers.

Last season's East of Scotland runners-up Lothian Thistle head Conference B, where they are joined by Eyemouth United as well as former junior clubs such as Bo'ness United, Bonnyrigg Rose, Tranent Juniors and Sauchie Juniors.

There is no Borders teams in Conference C, which is headed by last season's third-place team, Preston Athletic. Among the many former junior clubs in Conference C are Linlithgow Rose, Broxburn United, Camelon Juniors and Blackburn United.

The 2018/19 East of Scotland Champions will face the South of Scotland Champions in a play-off to earn a place in the following season's Lowland League.

CONFERENCE A

Hawick Royal Albert, Leith Athletic, Peebles Rovers, Coldstream, Tweedmouth Rangers, Penicuik Athletic, Hill of Beath Hawthorn, Newtongrange Star, Musselburgh Athletic, Dunbar United, Arniston Rangers, Oakley United and Easthouses Lily MW.

CONFERENCE B

Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, Tynecastle, Burntisland Shipyard, Eyemouth United, Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic, Dundonald Bluebell, Bo’ness United, Sauchie Juniors, Haddington Athletic, Tranent Juniors, Dalkeith Thistle, Crossgates Primrose and Dunipace.

CONFERENCE C

Preston Athletic, Heriot-Watt University, Stirling University, Ormiston, Linlithgow Rose, Broxburn United, Camelon Juniors, Jeanfield Swifts, Blackburn United, St Andrew’s United, Edinburgh United, Craigroyston and Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts