Anger over Tesco plan to open Isle of Lewis supermarket on Sundays

More than a thousand people have voiced their opposition to proposals by supermarket giant Tesco to open its Isle of Lewis store on Sundays.

The island store has remained shut on a Sunday since it opened in 2008 to reflect local religious sentiment.

But Tesco bosses now want to ditch its uniqueness of being the only store in its UK chain not to operate every day of the week.

Lewis, with a population of about 20,000, has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath day, meaning that some shops – including both supermarkets – currently keep their doors closed on a Sunday.

More than 1,100 residents have now signed a petition calling on Tesco not to start Sunday trading at its Stornoway branch on the island.

Alasdair Macleod, who started the petition, said: “Many of us hold cherished memories of island Sundays as a guaranteed day of rest, relaxation and no work – a precious day of family time and worship.

“However, this simple yet profound day is at risk due to the concept of seven-day trading creeping into our culture.

“When stores and businesses open their doors on Sunday, it may seem like a convenience at first, but the resulting ripple effect leaves workers with less time to rest, less time for family, less time for church worship and invariably, a lower quality of life.

“Often we don’t realise the value of what we have until it’s gone. We are the envy of many people living in mainland Scotland with our peaceful, work-free Sundays so why swap them for their hectic, stressful, work-filled, busy Sundays?

“Tesco is and has been a highly valued and respected, local employer and retailer, repeatedly giving generously to local charities and causes and always respecting our local Sunday tradition of rest. We hope this mutual respect of community and retailer will long continue.

“If Tesco Stornoway, one of the largest shops in the Western Isles, opens on a Sunday then other businesses and organisations will be more likely to open on a Sunday too. They will sadly feel pressured too.”

The Tesco store in Stornoway is currently closed on a Sunday, although some staff work to restock shelves.

Bosses believe Sunday trading will smooth trade across the week and help to reduce food waste.

Christian Davies, store director for Tesco in the Highlands and Islands, said: “We will be listening carefully to customers and colleagues about our proposals to open our Stornoway store on a Sunday.

“We are confident we can carefully balance the demand for a seven-day opening while remaining respectful to local traditions and culture.

“While shopping on a Sunday is not for everyone, a store that is open seven days a week would significantly improve the shopping experience for all customers, by offering choice to those who do want to shop on a Sunday and reducing congestion during other days of the week, especially on a Saturday.”

Sports activities, museums and swimming pools are closed in Lewis on Sundays, but petrol stations and some restaurants remain open.