The Scottish Premiership has reached the midway point - and what a season it has been so far.
For the first time since Aberdeen in 1993 a team other than Celtic or Rangers will be leading the table heading into the new year.
Hearts will start 2026 three points clear of Celtic at the top of the standings after a stunning first half of the campaign, while an impressive Motherwell side are also in the mix sitting just two points behind third-placed Rangers.
The halfway mark feels like a natural point to reflect on who the stand out players have been over the opening round of fixtures.
Unsurprisingly Hearts players feature heavily in our team of the season so far, while Celtic and Rangers, who usually dominate any best XI compilations, can only muster one representative each amid turbulent times for both Old Firm clubs.
Here is our Scottish Premiership team of the season so far, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation...
1. GK: Jack Butland - Rangers
The goalkeeper has been one of the few consistent Rangers performers, rediscovering his form after a shaky end to last season that saw him lose his place to Liam Kelly. His save percentage is high at 77.5 and the fact that Rangers have conceded the joint fewest goals in the Premiership (16) is largely down to him. A penalty save against St Mirren on Tuesday night means he has now saved seven of the last eight spot-kicks he has faced, excluding shoot-outs. | SNS Group
2. DR: Josh Mulligan - Hibs
The summer signing from Dundee has excelled mostly in the Hibs midfield but is equally comfortable at right-back where he has played on numerous occasions throughout his career. Has five goal contributions thus far and has been a real driving force for David Gray's side with his athletic and energetic displays. His form has already led to transfer speculation and has pushed the 23-year-old into the Scotland conversation ahead of the World Cup next summer. | SNS Group
3. DL: Harry Milne - Hearts
The full-back hasn't always been played in his natural position but lands a spot in this team at left-back for a stellar season to date which has included five goal contributions. The former Partick Thistle man has started every league match barring one due to suspension and is one of the highest rated players in the Premiership this season across several stats-based websites. Has shown his versatility by moving to both left and right midfield on occasion. | SNS Group
4. DC: Craig Halkett - Hearts
Towering displays from the 30-year-old defender have been the bedrock behind Hearts' brilliant start. Halkett's form led to a contract extension until 2028 being confirmed on Christmas Day and calls for him to be included in Scotland's World Cup squad next summer. After years of injury woe, a fit Halkett is now proving himself as one of the top defenders in the league. | SNS Group