The competition has a staggered entry system. For the 2019–20 edition, two preliminary rounds are contested by 27 clubs, featuring those qualifying from Junior and Amateur competitions plus clubs with full membership of the Scottish Football Association. Sixteen Highland League and thirteen Lowland League clubs begin in the first round. Scottish League Two clubs enter the second round along with the top two clubs from the previous season's Highland League and Lowland League. Scottish League One and six Scottish Championship clubs start in the third round, while the remaining four Championship clubs and all 12 Scottish Premiership clubs enter in the fourth round.