Gers seal title in style

Rangers' long wait for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title finally came to an end when they were crowned Scottish champions on the final day of the season following a 3-0 win over Dundee United.

Victory against Dundee United was required to end Celtic's quest for a fourth successive championship and Walter Smith's men duly obliged with goals from Kyle Lafferty, Pedro Mendes and Kris Boyd.

At times success had looked unlikely - defeat at St Mirren, falling seven points behind Celtic at the turn of the year, losing to rock-bottom Inverness and experiencing a crushing draw at Hibernian.

But, for the second year in a row, the helicopter carrying the trophy headed for Tannadice and, this time, it was Rangers who were celebrating after falling at the final hurdle and surrendering to their bitter rivals 12 months ago.

For United - this game marked their centenary - there was double despair as they were pipped to the final European berth by Aberdeen.

Celtic surrendered their title to their Old Firm rivals after drawing a blank against Hearts at Parkhead.

The Parkhead side could not finish the campaign in style and forced their fans to sit through another afternoon of turmoil chances, which have characterised many a game in this campaign.

Striker Scott McDonald missed the best chance in the first half when he blasted wide from close range with Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura drawing good saves from Jambos keeper Marian Kello.

Aberdeen qualified for the Europa League thanks to a deserved, if narrow, 2-1 win over a lacklustre Hibernian.