Five facts about the winter solstice

The winter solstice takes place today (Wednesday, December 21) - the shortest day in the northern hemisphere.

Here are five facts about the winter solstice:

Sir William Beechey's portrait of Watt can be viewed at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, which is partly named in his honour. (Pic: Information Services, Heriot Watt University)

Celebrating the genius of Scottish inventor James Watt in 2019