As a member of the Scottish Youth Hostels Association since 1950, I share Jenny Marra's concern at the closure of seven well-loved hostels, all of which I have stayed in over the years. While sharing her concern, I can appreciate the difficulty in which the SYHA management finds itself.

As a member of the Scottish Youth Hostels Association since 1950, I share Jenny Marra's concern at the closure of seven well-loved hostels, all of which I have stayed in over the years. While sharing her concern, I can appreciate the difficulty in which the SYHA management finds itself.

We oldies were happy with the former (by today's standards) basic provision but the present generation of hostellers is not, and rightly demands, and gets, modern facilities such as small en-suite bedrooms, the most modern kitchen equipment, comfortable lounges and television rooms. All of this comes at a price.

The SYHA is a completely self-financing organisation, being dependent on the modest membership fee of £8 per annum and the income from bed nights, so there is a limit to how much can be spent on adapting some formerly very satisfactory hostels to modern standards, given their layout and the very stringent health and safety regulations which apply to youth hostels.

Like Jenny Marra, I feel the SYHA deserves some support (but no control) from official sources, which seem oblivious to the contribution that youth hostels make to tourism and the economy of Scotland; eg, in 2006, 532,655 bed nights were recorded in Scotland, 350,500 of them from outwith Scotland.

In my eighth decade, I still enjoy hostelling for the sheer pleasure of meeting people from all over the world and the friendly relaxed atmosphere that only those who have hostelled can fully appreciate. Hostelling has given me the chance to travel the world and appreciate other cultures, and I would want everyone who wishes it to have the same opportunity. Hostelling in Scotland must survive, and support from official sources would go a long way to ensuring this.

Hamish Cameron, 1 Gordon Street, Ayr.

With the recent media coverage suggesting that Scotland is second only to the US as the most overweight country in the world, it is clear that cutting out chips and other fatty foods is only part of the answer to Scotland becoming a healthier nation. We also need to be more active.

Research shows that if you combine walking with a good diet plan, you will be well on your way to becoming a slim and fit person. Thirty minutes of brisk walking on most days of the week is the perfect way of maintaining a healthy weight. Moreover, walking improves sleep, lessens stress, anxiety and depression, and reduces the risk of heart disease often associated with obesity levels.

Walking is an ideal exercise for all abilities and for all ages from young children to older adults. It is easier to start and sustain than most other forms of physical activity, it is low risk and can be easily incorporated into our lives. It is also a great way to meet people and develop friendships and it's free. If you join a walking group there will be social activities as well as healthy exercise. We have 58 local groups, from Stranraer in the south to Inverness in the north, with many offering short easy walks.

Dennis Canavan, President, Ramblers' Association Scotland, Kingfisher House, Auld Mart Business Park, Milnathort.