I dislike Rangers a lot, but that was a freak result. Even if your season starts at the end of July rather than start of August, you'll still be further along in your preparation during the European qualification stages.
Pete my own opinion is we struggle in Europe because of poor ability on the field of play. Nothing to do with when the season starts. Surely clubs must start pre season training earlier to suit the early euro ties. And BTW pete I bow to your superior knowledge of Gibraltar and Malta football.
A year ago our national team couldn't beat either of those two national teams at the 2016 Euros. If Scottish clubs had the resources that English clubs have then I'm sure Celtic would easily get past the Champions League group stages. And Rangers would be able to afford a decent accountant.