The William Hills Scottish Cup final on 19 May will be the first all-Edinburgh final since 1896. That game was also the only Scottish Cup final to have been played outside Glasgow. Hearts had wanted to play the game at Tynecastle, an idea which did not find much favour, while Hibs wanted to play at Hampden. The SFA decided ro choose Logie Green, then home to St Bernard’s, a major third force in Edinburgh football who had won the Scottish Cup the previous year. Both clubs were not that sure Logie Green could cope with the large crowd expected to witness their meeting. As it was the 16,034 who turned up were accommodated comfortably.
It is widely expected that more than 16,034 will be travelling through to Hampden on 19 May. For those travelling by train, there will be no segregation between the fans for the journey to the game. The Transport Police do not believe there will be any trouble but have made a concession for the return journey by having different platforms designated for Hibs and Hearts fans.
As you would expect, not many images survive of that famous occasion in 1896 when Hearts ran out 3-1 winners. However, SF.net have managed to find a couple, with many thanks to Hearts. The first one is of Hearts kicking off while the other is of the cup winning side.
Hearts: McLaren, McCartney, Fairbairn, Mirk, King, Chapman (trainer), Baird, Michael, Walker, Hogg (captain), Begbie, Russell
The losing side on that occassion was made up as follows:
Hibs: McColl, Robertson, Macfarlane, Breslin, Neill, Murphy, Murray, Kennedy, Groves, Smith, O’Neill