NEIL Mackay's argument that a conversation about the abolition of the monarchy is long overdue is both eloquent and veracious (“We need to talk about abolishing the monarchy”, The Herald July 2 and Letters, July 3). His contention that the monarchy is incompatible with equality is unerringly accurate. The existence of a Royal Family, with countless hangers-on, perpetuates class divisions in 21st century British society to the extent that these anachronistic divisions become socially accepted and even celebrated.

With the economic uncertainties and constitutional disorientation fuelled by Brexit, together with the re- emergence of a pugnacious and reckless form of English nationalism, it is clear to many that an unthinking acceptance of, or deference to, the institution of the monarchy can no longer be tolerated. Like Mr Mackay, I struggle to find any argument in favour of retaining the monarchy and believe that the Royal Family are an embarrassing and expensive burden to modern British society. Tourism of a historic nature would continue to flourish without them as it does in the republic of France.

Our present-day monarchy masquerades as historical tradition but in truth is a business enterprise which owes its favoured status to the British taxpayer. The cost of maintaining “the Firm”, as Mr Mackay observes, is wholly unacceptable at a time when food banks proliferate amidst a rise in real poverty, particularly amongst those families on low incomes. Figures released by Buckingham Palace last month inform us that the price of having a monarchy last year rose by approximately 44 per cent, meaning that £67 million was lavished on private jets, trains, trips abroad, refurbishment of ostentatious homes and palaces and on literally thousands of camp followers.

The present Conservative Government which has carried out the worst case of self-harm in British history by plunging us into the Brexit morass is largely a product of Oxbridge privilege and birthright entitlement that is enabled by the very existence of a Royal Family and institutionalised inequality. As Mr Mackay succinctly put it, “monarchy murders meritocracy”.

In a society where funding for health and education often fall victim to recession and there are increasing concerns with homelessness and material privation, the monarchy is an immoral, injudicious and scandalous waste of time and money.

The actress Helen Mirren, who starred as the Queen herself in the eponymous movie was quoted as saying: "I loathe the British class system, and the Royal Family are the apex of the British class system.” The conversation indeed should begin in earnest.

Owen Kelly, Stirling.

"ALWAYS keep a-hold of nurse, for fear of finding something worse" could be fairly applied to our monarchy.

Although Neil Mackay's case for abolishing the monarchy is essentially that it is old fashioned, like "burning witches" and costly and so on, he rather discounts the benefits of modern monarchy.

Her Majesty and family are clearly harmless individuals doing their best in admittedly privileged but sometimes rather thankless roles. They are above petty party politics. An appointed or elected head of state, needed to greet others visiting, does not have to be a fairly anonymous retired professional or a politician tainted by a controversial career but with scant charisma.

Our present family of Royals, despite their personalities as ordinary though public-spirited people, do offer a certain showbiz-style glamour which, along with historical ceremonials, cheer most of us and must undoubtedly boost tourism.

Complaints about their costly lifestyle are surely negated by the half-billion pounds paid annually to the Treasury from the Crown Estates.

Mr Mackay is calling for shedding of the Royals' contribution of colour in our national life, inevitably to be replaced by certain, albeit worthy, dullness.

(Dr) Charles Wardrop, Perth.