The Scottish FA has announced a two year sponsorship deal for The Scottish Cup between The Scottish Government and Scots entrepreneur Willie Haughey.

Haughey has agreed to pay the £1million a year fee while the Government will take on the branding rights to promote its Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

The name change will be implemented following the completion of this year’s tournament which began a fortnight ago.

The SFA has been searching for a sponsor for the last 18 months since its long standing relationship of 18 years with Tennents saw the lager brand become the main sponsors of the Scottish football team instead.

Last year the cup went without a sponsor as a deal could not be agreed with potential suitors. A similar situation looked likely this year, with a deal reportedly close to being completed and then falling through, rumoured to be with an energy supplier.

Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister, commented: "Four million people across 40 countries watched the Scottish Cup last year and this year they will all be invited to be a part of our Year of Homecoming.

"This funding will turn Scotland's premier domestic sporting cup competition into a cohesive celebration of national sporting success.

"What's more, this announcement gives the Scottish Government further opportunity to highlight the work of a new group that has been established in partnership with the SFA to promote citizenship through football.

"As well as continuing to tackle sectarianism, the new group will look at issues such as anti-social behaviour, alcohol and drug misuse, domestic abuse and violence."