I WAS fortunate to be of an age to be able to access squash through pay and play, which was available in most towns. My friends and I, having sampled this wonderful sport, continued to play the game throughout a significant proportion of our adult lives. Some of us joined clubs but many were happy just to play regularly with friends and family. Perhaps those who did not join clubs were less considered by sporting authorities but at least they existed.

Now we find that according to Sportscotland and the governing bodies there was a post-2014 Commonwealth Games legacy of an increase in participation in squash of 20 per cent. This was then reduced to 10 per cent when the figure was challenged. Obviously this is the time to increase availability of courts for new players to experience the game. However, the reality is the exact opposite.

The courts at Largs are closed to construct a national parasports centre, which incidentally will further isolate these athletes from other athletes. Meadowbank in Edinburgh is to be redeveloped without any provision of squash courts (“Future for Edinburgh’s field of dreams in balance”, The Herald, January. The farce of the non-retention of the show court used during the 2014 games is so absurd that one has to ask if anyone is willing to admit to being responsible for this crass decision.

This must serve as a warning to participants in sports that there is no guarantee that your sport will not fall out of favour with Sportscotland. Given its focus on elite, medal-winning sports at the expense of grassroots participation and the apparent total lack of Government oversight, one has to ask if this organisation is fit for purpose.

David Stubley,

22 Templeton Crescent, Prestwick.