MORE than a thousand people have called for Tesco to scrap its proposal to open its Isle of Lewis store on Sundays.
The supermarket giant's Stornoway store has remained shut on a Sunday since it opened in 2008 to reflect residents's long-standing tradition of observing the Sabbath day.
Tesco had started holding consultations with staff and residents about opening seven days a week.
More than 1300 people have now signed an online petition against the proposed change.
The Outer Hebrides island has a population of about 20,000 people, with many residents members of various protestant denominations that believe Sunday should be a day of rest – meaning some shops, including supermarkets, staying closed on Sundays.
The practice of observing the Sabbath day is derived from the Bible's fourth commandment which states “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”.
Some restrictions have been relaxed over recent decades with the first Sunday commercial flight landing at Stornoway airport in 2002 and ferries have operated on Sundays since 2009.
Many local shops, including the island’s only other supermarket, a Co-op, remain closed along with council-run facilities such as swimming pools and soft-play areas.
The online petition was started by Alasdair Macleod who says the simple day of rest is “at risk” due to the concept of seven-day trading “creeping” into the island's culture.
He 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?
“Every year the Outer Hebrides is voted right at the top of a poll of the happiest places to live in the UK. Is it a coincidence that our islands as a whole, are one of the only places that still has a guaranteed traditional Sunday of rest and no work?”
Macleod added that he respects the fact that Tesco are a major employer on the island and that they have given back to the local community.
But he said that if Tesco opens on Sunday other businesses in the area will feel the “pressure” to do the same.
Although the island's Tesco is currently closed on Sundays, some staff already work in the store while it is shut at the weekend to replenish shelves.
The supermarket said that no staff member would be forced to work on the Sabbath if the plans go ahead.
Christian Davies, store director for Tesco in the Highlands and Islands, said: “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.”
