The transfer window has creaked open, but the bank books of Scottish clubs have largely remained mothballed.

Only Dundee United and Rangers have so far done business among the Scottish Premier League clubs on New Year's Day.

That was merely to register strikers Steven Thompson and Billy Dodds, whose swapping of clubs had already been announced.

Scotland international Thompson moved to Rangers for a nominal fee - thought to be around �200,000 - with veteran Dodds rejoining United, the club he left in December 1999 to go to Ibrox for �1.3m.

Graham Fyfe has joined Raith Rovers

The Scottish Football Association had opened its player registration department until lunchtime to enable clubs to complete transfers for the first time since August.

But most of the other activity involving the 12 top-flight clubs concerned players dropping down the divisions on loan.

Youngster David Winters was another striker leaving United, heading north to First Division Ross County until the end of the season.

Dunfermline Athletic's rookie midfielder, Kevin McLeish, has also been borrowed by County for the same period, with experienced campaigner Davie Nicholls leaving East End Park to return to the Falkirk midfield until May.

Pars boss Jimmy Calderwood has agreed a six-figure fee for Shamrock Rovers 19-year-old Noel Hunt.

But the move has yet to be completed as Dunfermline have agreed to let the striker stay in Ireland until the SPL season begins again at the end of the month.

Dunfermline appear not to have given up hope of re-signing Jack de Gier, the veteran striker anxious to return and hoping Dutch club FC Twente will allow him to leave.

David Winters has gone to Ross County

Former Pars winger Steven Boyle, who had his contract with the Fife club scrapped in November after a frustrating spell with injury, has joined Second Division Brechin City.

Division leaders Raith Rovers snapped up free agent Graham Fyfe after the 20-year-old midfielder was released by Celtic.

Northampton Town have taken 20-year-old defender Paul Reid on loan from Rangers.

Hibernian have farmed out youngsters Derek Riordan, a striker, and defender Paul Hilland to Cowdenbeath for initial one-month spells.

Hibs have also released 22-year-old defender Mark Dempsie, who is being linked with Hamilton Academical.

Hearts have loaned forward Ryan Davidson to Alloa Athletic until the end of the season and the struggling First Division club have themselves allowed veteran defender Keith Knox to leave for Gretna.

The Third Division newcomers have also signed Brian Fairbairn, who was released by SPL club Livingston.

Former Livi tea-mates Scott Findlay, a goalkeeper, and forward David Ormiston will attempt to help East Stirlingshire rise from the bottom of the Third Division while on loan.

Meanwhile, midfielder Hugh Davidson returned to Dundee United after his loan spell with Third Division Stirling Albion.

Former Par Steven Boyle is back in football

Defender Robbie Neilson returned to Hearts from First Division Queen of the South.

First Division promotion-seekers Clyde have given a trial to French striker Moussa Dagnago, who quit US side Indiana Blast.

The Bully Wee have also transfer-listed midfielder David Dunn and defender Bryan Smith.

Second Division Dumbarton have released forward Joe Robertson from his five-year contract, told Stevie Jack to find a new club and transfer-listed fellow midfielder Mark Crilly.

The Sons are also in talks with Kilmarnock about a permanent signing of forward Gary McCutcheon following his successful loan spell.