SPL fixtures 2013-14: Celtic to open against Ross County

Scottish Premier League champions Celtic will kick off next season at home to Ross County on 3 August.

Dundee United travel to Firhill in what will be Partick Thistle's first top-flight match in nine years.

Financially stricken Hearts are scheduled to visit St Johnstone, Inverness host St Mirren and Aberdeen welcome Kilmarnock to Pittodrie.

Motherwell, who finished runners-up last season, visit Hibernian the following day.

Celtic's second match will be at Aberdeen two weeks' later, with the scheduled home match against St Mirren on 10 August set to be postponed to allow Neil Lennon's men to play Liverpool in a friendly in Dublin.

Promoted Partick Thistle visit Ross County in week two, with a home match against Hearts following on 17 August.

Hearts are in administration and will begin the campaign with a deduction of 15 points.

However, St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright insisted that Hearts' financial plight would not affect his side's preparations.

"There is a lot of time still to pass before the first game. Hopefully their financial problems will be sorted out by then," he said.

"Will their situation play any part in our thoughts ahead of the game? No, no, no.

"I can only focus on my own team and that's what I'll try to do. There might be a lot of press coverage on Hearts between now but I can only prepare St Johnstone for the game."

The second weekend of the new term throws up an Edinburgh derby, with Hibernian visiting Tynecastle, while Highland rivals Ross County and Inverness first clash at Victoria Park on 26 October.

There are fixtures scheduled for Wednesday 1 January, with Celtic hosting Partick Thistle, Hibs at home to Hearts, Inverness welcoming Ross County and Aberdeen travelling to Dundee United.

Aberdeen goalkeeper tweeted his excitement at the prospect of a New Year New Firm derby: "Dundee Utd away 1st January 2014!!! Yes love it !! #atmosphere."

Fans face a series of long journeys on Boxing Day, with Motherwell going to Aberdeen, Partick Thistle hosting Inverness and Hibs setting out for Ross County.

Full list of Scottish top flight fixtures for season 2013-14.