Introduction to the derby
The Edinburgh Derby is one of British football’s oldest and most culturally charged rivalries, pitching Heart of Midlothian against Hibernian in a city divided by history, class, religion and geography. First contested competitively in the 19th century, the fixture has spanned league titles, relegation battles, cup finals and dramatic late goals, all played out between Tynecastle Park and Easter Road. More than just a Scottish Premiership derby, Hearts vs Hibernian represents civic identity, with generations of supporters measuring seasons by derby results as much as by
silverware.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Across major competitive competitions – the Scottish League, Scottish Cup and League Cup – Hearts and Hibernian have met hundreds of times, producing a substantial statistical record that reflects long periods of dominance, momentum swings and tightly fought eras.
| Competition Scope | Matches Played | Hearts Wins | Hibernian Wins | Draws |
| Major competitive competitions (League, Scottish Cup, League Cup) | 344 | 151 | 90 | 103 |
These totals underline Hearts’ historical edge in competitive Edinburgh derbies, particularly driven by strong league performances in the mid‑20th century and again during periods such as the late 1980s and mid‑2000s. Hibernian’s wins cluster in distinct eras, notably the early 1970s and stretches of the modern Premiership, while the high number of draws reflects how often derby tension has cancelled out quality.
Recent Head-to-Head Matches (Last 10 Encounters)
The most recent Edinburgh derbies have been shaped by fine margins, late goals and fluctuating league contexts, with both clubs enjoying spells of momentum rather than sustained supremacy.
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result |
| 10 Feb 2026 | Scottish Premiership | Tynecastle Park | Hearts 1-0 Hibernian |
| 27 December 2025 | Scottish Premiership | Easter Road | Hibernian 3–2 Hearts |
| 4 October 2025 | Scottish Premiership | Tynecastle Park | Hearts win (score N/A) |
| 9 March 2018 | Scottish Premiership | Easter Road | Hibernian 2–0 Hearts |
| 27 December 2017 | Scottish Premiership | Tynecastle Park | 0–0 Draw |
| 24 October 2017 | Scottish Premiership | Easter Road | Hibernian 1–0 Hearts |
| 12 April 2015 | Scottish Championship | Easter Road | Hibernian 2–0 Hearts |
| 3 January 2015 | Scottish Championship | Tynecastle Park | 1–1 Draw |
| 25 October 2014 | Scottish Championship | Easter Road | 1–1 Draw |
| 17 August 2014 | Scottish Championship | Tynecastle Park | Hearts 2–1 Hibernian |
| 27 April 2014 | Scottish Premiership | Easter Road | Hibernian 1–2 Hearts |
The recent pattern shows a clear venue influence, with Easter Road
often proving difficult for Hearts, while Tynecastle derbies regularly swing
on late incidents. Discipline, set‑pieces and emotional momentum have been
decisive, and high‑scoring encounters remain relatively rare, reinforcing the
cagey nature of modern Edinburgh Derby results.
Key Players & Rivalries by Era
Classic era (1930s–1960s)
The classic era was defined by attacking football and packed
terraces. Hearts icons such as Tommy Walker and Willie Bauld embodied
elegance and leadership, while Hibernian’s
Famous Five era brought figures like Gordon Smith and Lawrie Reilly into
derby folklore. These players mattered because they combined technical
quality with a fearless approach in hostile environments, often dictating the
tempo of matches.
Notable duels included Walker vs Smith in midfield control, Bauld
vs Reilly as a physical centre‑forward battle, and full‑back confrontations
where positional discipline was tested against free‑scoring
forwards.
Transitional era (1970s–1990s)
This period swung between Hibernian’s
early‑1970s superiority and Hearts’ resurgence in the late 1980s. Players
such as Jimmy O’Rourke and John Blackley for Hibs contrasted with Hearts
leaders like Gary Mackay and Craig Levein. Tactical organisation became more
pronounced, with derby matches increasingly shaped by midfield bite and
defensive structure.
Key rivalries included Mackay vs Blackley in central areas, Levein
against Hibs strikers in aerial battles, and captain‑versus‑captain
leadership contests that often set the emotional tone.
Modern era (2000s–2010s)
The modern era saw derbies influenced by European ambitions and
financial contrasts. Hearts players such as Paul Hartley and Rudi Skácel
brought goal threat from midfield, while Hibernian
countered with figures like Scott Brown and Derek Riordan. These players
mattered for their ability to decide tight games with moments of quality or
aggression.
Memorable duels included Hartley vs Brown in combative midfield
clashes, Skácel drifting against Hibs full‑backs, and Riordan testing Hearts’
back line with movement rather than power.
| Era | Club | Player | Role in derby context | Notes |
| Classic | Hearts | Tommy Walker | Creative leader | Controlled tempo and inspired attacks |
| Classic | Hibernian | Lawrie Reilly | Centre-forward | Physical and prolific presence |
| Transitional | Hearts | Gary Mackay | Midfield enforcer | Set competitive tone |
| Transitional | Hibernian | John Blackley | Defensive leader | Organised back line |
| Modern | Hearts | Paul Hartley | Goal-scoring midfielder | Big-game influence |
| Modern | Hibernian | Scott Brown | Box-to-box captain | Intensity and drive |
This spread of players highlights how different skill sets have
shaped the Hearts Hibernian
rivalry, from artistry and goals to organisation and aggression.
H2H Detailed Analysis
Head‑to‑head analysis shows Hearts’ advantage is rooted in
consistency rather than prolonged dominance. Their ability to avoid long
losing runs, particularly at Tynecastle, has protected their overall record.
Hibernian’s
best spells have tended to be sharper but shorter, often coinciding with
strong managerial cycles. Draws remain a defining feature, reflecting
tactical caution, emotional pressure and the difficulty both sides face in
imposing style on derby day.
Key Stats & Performance Insights
The Edinburgh Derby produces distinctive statistical patterns that
separate it from standard league fixtures.
- High draw percentage compared to league averages, reflecting
tension. - Lower average goals per game in the modern era.
- Strong home‑ground influence at both Tynecastle and Easter
Road. - Midfield discipline often more decisive than striker
form. - Late goals frequently swing momentum across
seasons.
Memorable Matches & Iconic Moments
Certain Edinburgh derbies transcend statistics, embedding
themselves in the collective memory of both sets of supporters.
- 14 March 1896 – Scottish Cup Final win that established early
supremacy. - 1 January 1973 – Hibernian’s record league victory at
Tynecastle. - 21 September 1935 – Highest‑scoring competitive
derby. - 18 March 2012 – Hearts’ emphatic league victory during a dominant
season. - 27 December 2025 – Seven‑goal thriller reigniting modern rivalry intensity.
- Derbies decided by injury‑time goals that reshaped league
races.
Evolution of the Rivalry
The Hearts vs Hibernian
rivalry has evolved from free‑scoring early contests into a tactically complex
modern derby. Professionalism, sports science and media scrutiny have reduced
chaos but heightened pressure. While styles have changed, the emotional
stakes remain constant, ensuring that every Edinburgh Derby continues to
carry significance well beyond the league table.
FAQ
What is the Edinburgh
Derby?
The Edinburgh Derby is the football rivalry between Hearts and
Hibernian.
Who has the better head-to-head
record?
Hearts hold an overall advantage in major competitive
meetings.
Which stadiums host the
derby?
Matches are played at Tynecastle Park and Easter
Road.
Are derby matches usually high
scoring?
Historically yes, but modern derbies are often tight and low
scoring.
Has the derby been played outside the
league?
Yes, including Scottish Cup and League Cup ties.
Why is the rivalry so
intense?
It reflects deep cultural, social and historical divides within
Edinburgh.
