An online petition is calling on BBC Scotland to continue making the Sunday morning Reflections at the Quay programme.

The programme was introduced after the coronavirus lockdown forced churches to close in late March. It usually featured a minister from the Church of Scotland and one other Christian denomination, but also included contributions from people of other faiths. 

The BBC initially committed to nine programmes, which concluded on August 2. 

The petition, set up by Laura Fleming, states that: “This programme is vital to those in our communities who are seeking spiritual comfort and has been enjoyed by many throughout lockdown. In these times of isolation not everyone has access to online services or social media and many elderly and vulnerable people rely on their television to access worship each Sunday.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “We indicated from the outset that Reflections was part of our emergency response to lockdown which included the unprecedented closure of places of worship across Scotland. As churches now prepare to re-open we’re again focusing on our more established programmes. They include New Every Sunday on BBC Radio Scotland and Songs of Praise which brings viewers songs, hymns and stories of faith from across the UK on BBC One.

“We understand the disappointment felt by those who wanted it to continue but we hope our additional programming over the last few months has at least made a difference during this time.”