Winter is certainly upon us, and as you turn up the central heating, spare a thought for the birds and wildlife braving the unforgiving temperatures of the great outdoors.

We all know that many birds escape the cold every year by migrating to more favourable climates - but do you know which species make their big break each winter, and how our feathered friends and fellow mammals who stay put, put up with freezing conditions here? How do they keep warm enough to stay alive and how do they find food in such an unforgiving, barren environment?

Anyone with a love of, and interest in, nature will have a chance to find out the answers to these questions and more, as well as be able to learn all about nature’s annual winter dilemma, at a special event at Linlithgow Palace on Sunday 2nd December 2007. Historic Scotland’s Ranger Service is hosting the informative and entertaining event to explain nature’s annual exodus to warmer climes and the survival of the fittest who remain here in the cold.

Countryside Ranger Martin Gray, of Historic Scotland’s Ranger Service, explains:
“The annual migration of many species of birds is a fascinating subject; whilst we know a great deal about it, there are still many aspects of this wonderful phenomenon that we don’t fully understand. Equally, it’s quite amazing that so many animals and mini-beasts manage to survive sub-zero temperatures and withstand extremely difficult environmental conditions during the winter months. Our event on the 2nd December provides an opportunity to find out all about these miracles in our midst and learn all about the many ways that nature manages to cope with the difficult challenges of winter.”

The event on 2nd December is from 1pm and is suitable for all ages. Booking is recommended by calling 01506 842065 or emailing hs.rangers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

• The magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace - set in the Royal Park or Peel, beside Linlithgow Loch - are situated in Linlithgow, off the M9. Tel: 01506 842896. Admission: adult £5.00, child £2.50, concessions £4.00.
• The Palace is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542 and her father, James V, who was born in 1512. All of the Stewart kings lived here, and numerous renovations to its grand facades and chambers were carried out as each monarch sought to create the ideal modern palace. A royal manor had been on the site of the Palace since the 12th century. It was transformed by the English into a modern secure stronghold around 1302 before returning to Scottish hands in 1314. A fire in 1424 destroyed the stronghold and burgh of Linlithgow and James I then started building the structure we have today. Under James IV, it developed into a courtyard palace, while James V and James VI made major contributions to what had become the finest palace of the Stewart kings.
• Linlithgow Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its very large wildfowl population and wealth of flora and fauna.