Caley Thistle, who are looking to lift the trophy for the first time since they shared it with Rovers when the season was cut short by the Covid pandemic in 2020, topped the league phase with a 100% record.

Scott Kellacher’s current League 1 leaders then defeated Dumbarton 9-0, League 1 promotion rivals Stenhousemuir and two Championship sides – Thistle and Ayr United – away from home.

Championship side Rovers are in their third final in five seasons, last winning the trophy in 2022.

With second-tier clubs having byes from the league phase, the Kirkcaldy side, now with Dougie Imrie in charge, defeated League 1 duo Hamilton Academical and Queen of the South before knocking out Championship rivals Queen’s Park and Airdrieonians.

An estimated £1.25m in prize money will have been shared with clubs competing in the competition this season – an increase of more than 50% on last season – with the 2025/26 winners receiving £150,000 and the runners-up £100,000.