Livingston's recent acquisition of midfielder Macaulay Tait from Heart of Midlothian has proven to be a masterstroke, with both fans and club staff hoping the talented 19-year-old will remain at the club beyond his loan period. Tait has made a significant impact since joining Livingston in January 2025, with 11 appearances under his belt and an impressive display that suggests he is a cut above the Championship level.
During a day's training at The Home of the Set Fare Arena, two club staff members touted Tait's potential, expressing desire for him to continue with Livingston next season. "Hearts must have some amount of talent if they’re willing to let Macaulay Tait go out on loan – a level above the Championship. Must play Premiership football next season," said one enthusiastic fan.
Tait's journey to Livingston began amid frustration at being sidelined at Hearts. The midfielder, who initially emerged under former manager Steven Naismith, was struggling for game time and looked to find consistent competitive action at a higher level than the Heart's B team. "It was obviously a really frustrating first half of the season. I just needed to get playing competitive football at a good level," Tait said in a recent interview.
Despite being invited to play in the Europa Conference League matches against Dinamo Minsk and Petrocub, Tait primarily featured with the B team in the Lowland League. This scenario led to the decision to send him out on loan, with Livingston's head coach David Martindale keen to secure a No.6 for his squad amidst a competitive Championship campaign.
"I’m absolutely loving it," Tait told Hearts Standard after settling into his new role at Livingston. "I’m playing every week, so that’s exactly why I came, and winning games of football as well which makes it easier." Martindale's admiration for Tait's performance has only increased since his arrival. The manager commended Tait's understanding of the game, starting him against Hamilton Accies, and he has remained a regular starter since.
Tait has adapted his game well to the intensity of Championship football, covering around 11 km per game and showcasing resilience while enhancing his attacking capabilities. He noted, "Especially here, we have a decent amount of the ball and dominate teams quite a lot so it gives you that license to be a bit further up the pitch." Tait is beginning to thrive under the pressure of key matches that define a club’s season.
One of the defining moments of Tait's short tenure was winning a penalty against Falkirk, an experience that continues to bolster his confidence. "It’s been good to be able to do that for 90 minutes every week," he reflected, acknowledging the supportive environment created by his teammates and coaching staff.
With hopes pinned on helping Livingston achieve promotion back to the Premiership, Tait opted to focus solely on club duties rather than join the Scotland under-21s during the international break. He explained: "With the big games for Livi, it didn’t make sense to leave but hopes to make that step to the 21s in the future." This dedication underscores his commitment to Livingston and belief in their aspirations.
Looking ahead, Tait remains focused on making his mark when he returns to Hearts, his boyhood club. With three years remaining on his contract, he is poised to demonstrate his potential. "Looking at next season, I want to kick on and play at Hearts, that’s the dream. I want to do it again," he stated, emphasizing his ambition for a more prominent role within the club.
Livingston’s upcoming match against league leaders Falkirk on March 25, 2025, is critical for Tait and his teammates, as they seek to close in on the top of the table. Martindale's confidence in Tait's abilities suggests that he is preparing the midfielder to make a longer-term impact in the Scottish game.
Martindale has noted, "I think he’ll play for Hearts all day long. Whether it is this summer or the summer after, I don’t know. The competition for places at a club like Hearts is very big." Tait recognizes that playing consistently is crucial for his development and future at Hearts. He aims to not only return but to compete for a starting position, building on the foundation laid during his time at Livingston and the opportunities afforded to him in this competitive environment.
