Career
Born in Kirkcaldy, Bates began his career at his hometown club Raith Rovers. He was again unused in 13 more league games and two Scottish Challenge Cup fixtures. In January 2015, Bates was loaned to Scottish League Two team East Stirlingshire for the remainder of the campaign.
He made his debut on 3 January, playing the full 90 minutes of a 3–0 loss at Berwick Rangers.
Two weeks later, he received a straight red card in a 3–1 home defeat to Annan Athletic. He made 17 appearances in all for the Shire.
In his last one he headed the first goal of his career as they finished the season with a 5–1 loss to Albion Rovers at Ochilview Park. On 11 September 2015, Bates moved on loan to Brechin City in Scottish League One until 12 December 2015.