Football has returned to Scotland with a flourish. Fears that the game might have lost its attraction because of the traumas experienced last year, vanished when supporters rallied so well that there were 74,300 at the five premier division matches, a healthy increase of almost 10,000 compared with last year's opening day. Play was lively and entertaining, the edict of the Scottish Football Association that a less combative attitude should prevail being largely obeyed, and spectators heeded official calls to behave. The biggest - and happiest - crowd were the 28,000 who saw Rangers at last open a season with a victory. Almost a decade has passed since the once all-conquering Ibrox side kicked off successfully. Their 1-0 win over Dundee United was seen by their relieved supporters as the prelude to a more joyful season.

Neither side, however, produced evidence to give hope that they have the ability to challenge for the championship. Nor did Celtic, whose claim to be the main threat to Aberdeen looked decidedly weak in the sunshine of Edinburgh. A goal by Paul McStay in the closing seconds enabled them to draw 1-1 with Heart of Midlothian, who played with gritting determination even though they were without three regulars. Much the better team, they went ahead in the 28th minuted with a goal scored by Colquhoun.

Aberdeen made a convincing start to their quest for a title treble, darting to the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Hibernian.

Bett, who had been bought from the Belgian club Lokeren for pounds 350,000, marked his debut by opening the scoring with a spectacular shot and went on to stamp his authority on the midfield. McDougal scored the other two goals.

The most exciting match of the afternoon was contested by Dundee and St Mirren, whose fine football showed that they are well on the way to finding a place among the elite. Dundee won 2-1 but there was little in it. Connor scored twice for them and Speirs was the St Mirren marksman.