I WAS privileged to be part of a delegation of five from Bute campaigning to resist the closure of Rothesay Sheriff Court ("Solicitors in call for further discussions on court closures", The Herald, June 5).

The delegates had an hour-long session with Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute.

One of our delegates, a solicitor, presented a thorough case for the retention of Rothesay Sheriff Court. Mr MacAskill appeared to listen to what we had to say and assured us that he would take the points raised into consideration before any final decision was made, but after listening to some of the proceedings from the Justice Committee and an interview with the committee convener, I have reservations about his promise.

I get the impression that the Justice Committee has donned the collective "black cap" and is about to deliver the ultimate sanction on the 16 courts scheduled for closure.

Dan Edgar,

31 Ardbeg Road,

Rothesay.