The Highland League side belied their part-time status – and the fact they had not played a competitive match in 10 weeks due to the coronavirus shutdown – to overcome the Championship champions-elect at Dudgeon Park.
Their 2-1 victory secured a famous and historic night for a Brora side who remain determined to reach the SPFL via the pyramid system, but also a dark one for the Tynecastle outfit, who have been subjected to tidal wave of criticism from their own fans, with manager Robbie Neilson branding the result “embarrassing”.
The best result in Brora’s history will undoubtedly go down as Hearts’ worst, but where does it rank among the 10 greatest giant-killings in Scottish Cup history?
1. Berwick Rangers 1 Rangers 0 - Jan, 1967
Remains the biggest Scottish Cup shock of all-time as a star-studded Rangers side who would go on to play in a European final a few months later were knocked out by the 'Wee Gers' in front of 13,365 at Shielfield Park thanks to Sammy Reid's first half goal. Photo: SNS Group
2. Celtic 1 Inverness CT 3 - Feb, 2000
A home defeat to the part-timers in front of disbelieving eyes at Parkhead signalled the end of John Barnes' brief reign as Celtic manager. Barry Wilson's early opener was levelled by Mark Burchill, but an own goal from Lubo Moravcik and a Paul Sheerin penalty sealed the win for Steve Paterson's Inverness. Photo: SNS Group
3. Clyde 2 Celtic 1, Jan, 2006
A shock result in its own right, but even more so considering it was Roy Keane's much-vaunted Celtic debut. Goals from Craig Bryson and Eddie Malone secured the win for First Division Clyde - who had the ball in the net five times and also missed a penalty. Photo: SNS Group Anne Robertson
4. Brora 2 Hearts 1 - Mar, 2021
The worst result in Hearts' history, and the biggest ever Cup upset not involving either half of the Old Firm. Senior clubs have been knocked out by Highland League opposition before, but not a beaten finalist from the previous two seasons against a side who had barely trained and hadn't played in 10 weeks. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group