The Scottish Cup is now getting tasty as the big boys mix it with those dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime shot at glory. Here, our writers pick through their top tips for this weekend, and reflect on their own personal highlights.

NICK RODGER:

WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

Ah, the romance of the Cup eh? Some will say rickety, rattling Somerset Park is about as romantic as a candle lit meal at Harthill Services but Ayr United versus Queen’s Park has an old school charm about it. Way back yonder, before colour was invented, Queen’s Park won the Scottish Cup 10 times. Ayr have never won it. And, let’s face it, they’ll not win it this year. But, hey, the Road to Hampden is all about dreams. Well, that and crushing disappointment.

Glasgow Times:

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

By all accounts, St Mirren are at such a low ebb these days they should be playing on Atlantis. So what better way to lift morale than a victory over Dundee at Dens Park. It was 30 years ago, in 1987, that the Buddies lifted the Scottish Cup with victory over the tangerine team from the other end of Tannadice Street. Perhaps they might kick-start a recovery in the City of Discovery?

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

On the basis that it was the first time I watched a Grandstand presenter just about choke on his own brain when reading out the results, the scoreline of Stirling Albion 20 – Selkirk 0 from the first round of the Scottish Cup back in 1984 still sticks in the mind. I always wondered whether the Selkirk manager rallied his troops prior to battle with the old cliche ‘remember boys, the cup’s a great leveller.’ Possibly not.

STEWART FISHER:

WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

I like the matches where the big guns have to slum it against the minnows of this world. Albion Rovers v Celtic would have been much more fun if the match had to proceed at ramshackle old Cliftonhill than the artificial surface at Airdrie, so I am going to go for Bonnyrigg Rose v Hibs. Having finally put an end to their 114-year hoodoo Hibs risk surrendering their hard-earned trophy at New Dundas Park. Stranger things have happened. 

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

I'm at Raith Rovers v Hearts and while I wouldn't exactly place the mortgage on it, this will be no easy tie for Ian Cathro's side. Transfers, injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations means that his side will have a reshaped look to it, while Raith Rovers have plenty of quality to them, not to mention a few ex-Hearts players in their ranks. Raith have gone three games without a win in the league but will be up for this on their own patch. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

This was a quarter-final, not exactly an early-round encounter, but it is not often you see someone score from 84 yards. That is where Queen of the South's Ryan McCann was when he put the gloss on a 2-0 win against Dundee, whose goalkeeper Craig Samson was up for a late corner. 

MATTHEW LINDSAY:

WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

Bonnyrigg Rose v Hibs. This game between these near neighbours is a bit of a mismatch. One team will be comprised of part-time junior footballers who play in the East Region Super League, the other of highly-paid professionals who are pushing for promotion to the Premiership and launching the defence of their Scottish Cup crown.

Glasgow Times: Anthony Stokes lifts the Scottish Cup after scoring twice in Hibs' 3-2 win over Rangers

But isn’t it matches like these which make the cup so special? Tynecastle will draw a large crowd and the occasion won’t be forgotten by those in attendance in a long time. By everyone involved with The Rose especially.   

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

Motherwell to beat Rangers. To call the Fir Park club mercurial is an understatement. When they are bad they are often woeful. But when they are good they can be brilliant. If they turn up at Ibrox they can cause an upset against Rangers.

Mark Warburton’s team struggled to cope with a three week lay-off before the final in May last year. Will they have learned from that? Will they be able to hit top form after the winter break? It is by no means certain.

If the Championship winners perform to the best of their abilities they will triumph even if their opponents give a good account of themselves. But this is an awkward match against top flight rivals who almost caused an upset against unbeaten Celtic last year.  

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

Inverness Caledonian Thistle going ballistic and beating Celtic 3-1 at Parkhead in the third round of the Scottish Cup was a bit special.

The outstanding performance of Steve Paterson’s team that evening was overlooked in the aftermath as John Barnes was sacked.  But the Highlanders were immense. A Barry Wilson strike, a Lubomir Moravcik own goal and a Paul Sheerin penalty secured a deserved and famous win.

Only their final victory over Falkirk at Hampden two years ago tops it.

STUART BATHGAGTE:
WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

Bonnyrigg Rose versus Hibernian, because it’s a non-league team versus the cup holders, and, while ideally every team drawn at home should play at home, the switch to Tynecastle should ensure a great atmosphere.

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

Raith v Hearts looks interesting, because while Rovers have been in poor form in the league they have at least played three times this year. Hearts’ last match was on 30 December, and their squad has changed quite a bit since then.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

Clyde 2 Celtic 1, Sunday 8 January 2006.  Roy Keane was making his debut for the cup-holders, but that was completely overshadowed by a magnificent performance from the home team, who had the ball in the net twice before they opened the scoring.

Glasgow Times: Bully for us...Clyde's win over Celtic in 2006 was a huge shock

STEWART WEIR:
WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

Elgin City vs Inverness Caley Thistle, for no other reason than the local rivalry, and, how excited the locals will be getting ahead of this one. The glamour of the Cup and all that

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

Not a hot tip. It would just be such a shock if St Mirren beat Dundee. But Raith vs Hearts has that potential for a slip

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

I once went all the way to Dalbeattie Star, courtesy of a certain sponsor who were instantly recognisable by their big red ‘T’ – only for the game to be frozen off an hour before kick-off. However, that enabled us sample the hospitality, both edible and drinkable, for an extra few hours. Unfortunately, I was busy for the rearranged tie, honest …

CHRIS JACK:

WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

Rangers v Motherwell is the tie of the round and it is no surprise that it was picked for live coverage by Sky. Mark Warburton’s side have to bounce back after their draw with St Johnstone and Hogmanay defeat to Celtic and this is a tricky fixture as they look to start the second half of the campaign with a win. Motherwell’s record at Ibrox is far from impressive but the Steelmen are a good side on their day and performed well there earlier in the season. They will fancy their chances of an upset but Rangers should just have too much on the day.

Glasgow Times: Motherwell's Scott McDonald, right, celebrates his goal against Rangers on Saturday.

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

There are not that many ties that stand out as potential shocks. Dundee United could have a chance of knocking out Premiership Ross County but the biggest upset of all could come at Borough Briggs. Life in the dugout has proven difficult for Richie Foran so far and Inverness travel to face an Elgin side that are third in League Two. City could be worth a bet at a big price.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

The scenic drive to Crombie Park to see Partick Thistle face Culter in the third round in November 2011. A strong Jags line-up got off to the perfect start through Paul Cairney but Ryan Stott levelled for the North Superleague side and red and yellow nerves were frayed as Jackie McNamara’s side hung on to a draw. As night fell, the lights of the Herald and Times pool car shone across the park as I sat in the cold and dark and wrote my Sunday Herald match report. The magic of the cup indeed.

SCOTT MULLEN:
WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

Bonnyrigg Rose versus Hibernian at Tynecastle. It’s moments like this that make following a small-scale club your entire life worthwhile. Hibs begin the defence of the trophy that eluded them for so long and it would be an incredible story if they went all the way to Hampden again to successfully defend. Equally, what a story it would be for them to come unstuck at the first hurdle at the home of their old rivals.

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

Many may go for Raith Rovers to beat Hearts, but there hasn’t been dancing in the streets of Raith for some time now (they’ve not won a league game since October). I’m going to go for Elgin City v Premiership bottom side Inverness. Jim Weir’s team are third in League Two with just one defeat in their last six, are the division’s top scorers with the best goal difference. You read it here first and last…

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

Viewed only through the hazy window of a worn-out VHS tape, the sight of Stevie Kirk jogging unassumingly on to a ploughed Aberdeen pitch back in January 1991. Ordered to get himself in the box as Davie Cooper stood over a free-kick 30 yards out with the game sitting at 0-0 in the dying seconds, Kirk ignored the advice of shrinking violet boss Tommy McLean to instead rocket a Cooper lay off into the net to send Motherwell on their way to Scottish Cup history.

GRAEME MACPHERSON:

WHAT IS YOUR GAME OF THE WEEKEND AND WHY?

There’s no obvious tie of the round this time but the two Sunday ties look intriguing. Raith aren’t in great form but will relish the chance to welcome Hearts to Starks Park, while Albion Rovers will test Celtic’s mettle on Airdrie’s plastic pitch.

WHAT’S YOUR HOT TIP FOR A SHOCK AND WHY?

Stenhousemuir could take St Johnstone to a replay.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SCOTTISH CUP EARLY ROUND MEMORY?

Reporting on Albion Rovers beating Motherwell a few seasons ago. The celebrations after their last minute winner were quite something.