And over the next four weeks they will carry out inspections at all seven clubs before allowing up to four of them into next season’s fifth tier of Scottish football.

Lowland League secretary David Baxter told the Border Telegraph: “Up to a maximum of four teams will be admitted to the Lowland League.

“The decision of the board will be made at our next meeting at the end of April.” Clubs will be scored on ground facilities as well as playing records and the likelihood of achieving SFA Entry Level licence by May 2015.

Amongst the seven to apply are Borders clubs Coldstream and Duns.

Duns manager Carl Hudson told us: “We will never get another opportunity to apply.

“We are cracking on with our new facilities and expect to be ready to meet the criteria.” The Lowland League Board will announce the successful clubs on April 28.