AS an atheist, I was gratified to learn that the number of churchgoers has declined to the extent that the Church of Scotland intends to declare 20 Shetland kirks surplus to requirements ("Closing service: two-thirds of Shetland churches to be shut", The Herald, October 16).

Nevertheless, as one passionately opposed to the menace of alcohol, I wonder if the continued weekly dispense of palpable nonsense might not be preferable to these buildings falling into the hands of Wetherspoons or other evil purveyors of the demon drug.

John Eoin Douglas,

7 Spey Terrace, Edinburgh.

IT is hardly surprising to note that a dramatic restructuring of the Church of Scotland in Shetland is to take place when there are apparently 31 churches serving the 15 inhabited isles. It does appear the 11 churches proposed for retention is more than adequate for the 23,000 population. This guestimate is based on total Kirk membership of just under 400,000 (in 2016) and a corresponding Shetland figure of around 2,000.

Obviously, travel provision costs will arise but properties vacated may sell well in an apparently upward-moving local property market. Regardless, the local presbytery is to be commended for grasping the nettle before becoming subsumed in the wilderness of reality.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.