The Official dates for winter depend on the definition. ‘Astronomical’ winter starts with the Winter Solstice, on 21 December, and ends with the Spring Equinox on 20 March 2026. A ‘Meteorological’ winter, used for weather records, is fixed from 1st December to 28/29 February, making it easier for comparisons.
Sunday 21st December this year felt a lot like the night before Christmas eve…Eve, than an astronomical start to winter. Therefore, for those amongst us who really don’t like winter, who maybe suffer from a bit of Seasonal Adjustment Disorder (SAD), we will start late and finish early. In Linlithgow, we now have invented a shorter definition: an ‘AstronoLogical’ Winter that starts on 21 December and finishes at the end of February.
There you go, we’ve just shortened Winter by 40 days to cheer up those who need it. Spring is now just two payslips away from reducing our personal share of the nation’s unsecured credit card debt.
Some like it hot – staying warm in Winter
‘Well, nobody’s perfect’ as Jack Lemmon once said at the end of the 1959 crime comedy movie. None of us are but these days, even if we don’t like winter, for home comforts we still have central heating, under-floor heating, loft insulation, ground source heat pumps and wood burning stoves to keep our cribs toasty, warm and hot.
There are plenty of local specialist trades and suppliers to make our homes warmer and snugger through the winter. Linlithgow Stoves on the High Street offer a range of top-quality wood burners and accessories and professional advice. If you’re thinking about getting one, this could be a great starting point.
Escaping the cold
For those who just really can’t bear our astronological winter, the only option might be a break in the sun to re-charge the batteries. Family-owned Linlithgow Travel are a local travel agency that has been curating bespoke journeys for over 8 years.
Getting active this Winter in Linlithgow
After the leftover drink is boxed away and hidden from site in the loft, we bravely step on the scales to see how many pounds have been put on. We’ve already promised ourselves this will be year of healthy living and supreme fitness.
Pure Gym Linlithgow
The Pure Gym No Contract offer at £27.99 a month looks attractive. It’s even open 24 hours/day, 7 days a week to put us in great shape for the Spring.
Xcite Linlithgow
Or there’s Xcite Linlithgow team offering delivering an extensive programme of group fitness classes from four indoor studios and coaching courses for children.
West Lothian Cycle Circuit
The bike gathering rust in the shed could even get a run around the West Lothian Cycle Circuit for just £4 a session & £2 for the kids to get them off the iPad. After all, it’s a 1km world class tarmac cycle facility right on our doorstep.
Elevation Cycles
The bike might need a pampering repair session at Andy’s Bike Clinic, but if it’s beyond fixing, then an investment a new bike from Elevation Cycles might fit the bill.
Linlithgow Loch in Winter
Then there’s even Linlithgow Loch to run around in the new socks and trainers that Santa brought
Article by One Linlithgow also published in Edition 119 of the Black Bitch Community Magazine, January 2026
