Rangers have won the Scottish League One title after a straightforward 3-0 win over Airdrieonians at Ibrox.

Lee McCulloch’s first-half hat-trick - which included a brace of penalties - has taken the Light Blues one step further towards regaining their place in the Premiership.

Ally McCoist’s side - who were demoted to the Third Division after they were liquidated in the summer of 2012 - clinched the third-tier title and promotion to the Championship after racking up an unassailable 26-point lead over nearest challengers Dunfermline.

“We are absolutely delighted, not only to wrap the title up but with the manner we wrapped it up, particularly in the first half, which was really pleasing and we are thrilled for the players, the staff and the supporters,” said McCoist afterwards. “It has been a terrific league campaign and I thought we finished it well. I think 26 wins and two draws is a great achievement, the players deserve an enormous amount of credit, as do the supporters.

“These are all championships that we have to win, to get back to where we want to be, in the top flight. These are stages in our recovery which must be met so I think it is only fair that they should be celebrated as you would winning any league.

“There are a lot of boys in the dressing room winning their first league, the majority of players will go through their careers and not win a league. The Championship could and hopefully will be, a great league next year so we are certainly planning for that and hopefully we strengthen and continue to build for the championship and for the years after that.”