Tesco superstore in Stornoway to open on Sundays for first time in 16 years despite local objections

A supermarket which has remained closed on a Sunday on the Isle of Lewis for over 16 years will now open seven days a week from next month.

The Stornoway store has remained shut on a Sunday since it opened in 2008 to reflect local religious sentiment, although some staff work to restock shelves.

But Tesco bosses have decided to ditch the unique trait of being the only UK store not to operate every day of the week.

Following a consultation, the retail giant will open the store between 12pm and 8pm from Sunday, November 17 specifically to “respect local tradition”.

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 1.800 residents signed a petition calling on Tesco not to start trading on a Sunday.

Tesco said at least 30 new jobs will be created as part of the change and that staff will be consulted with over shift changes.

Christian Davies, Tesco store director in the Highlands and Islands, said: “We are confident that the decision to open our Stornoway Superstore on Sundays will allow us to balance the demand for seven-day opening while remaining respectful to local traditions and culture. 

“Over recent weeks we have received a significant amount of positive feedback to our Sunday opening proposals, particularly from colleagues. 

“Of course, we understand that not everyone supports opening the store seven days a week and we will adopt a unique approach to Stornoway with shorter opening times on a Sunday than other locations in Scotland.  

“This change will improve the shopping experience for customers by offering them flexibility and reducing busy periods during the week, especially Fridays and Saturdays.  

“We will continue to listen to, and work with colleagues, in the coming weeks as we prepare for the first Sunday opening and no one will be obliged to work on a Sunday if they choose not to.”

Alasdair Macleod, who started the petition, said earlier this month: “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.”