Rangers begin SPL title defence against Kilmarnock

Rangers will begin their Scottish Premier League title defence against Kilmarnock at Ibrox. The reigning SPL champions last faced Kilmarnock on the opening day of the 2003-04 season, hammering the Ayrshire side 4-0, although the result did not kickstart a successful season, with Alex McLeish's side finishing 17 points behind Celtic. Celtic, who have not won the title since 2008, face a trip to newly-promoted Inverness Caledonian Thistle on the opening day. The first Old Firm game of the season comes on 23 October at Celtic Park. Dundee United, who finished third behind the Glasgow giants last season, travel to St Mirren on the opening day, while Aberdeen face Hamilton Academicals and Motherwell welcome Hibs to Fir Park. Falkirk, relegated from the SPL last season, begin life in the First Division with a derby against Dunfermline. The First, Second and Third Divisions kick off on Saturday 7 August, while the SPL begins a week later on 14 August.