Islanders living in one of Scotland’s most remote communities are set to do battle with Tesco over opening on a Sunday.
The supermarket giant has kept it’s Stornoway store closed on a Sunday since it launched in 2008 to reflect the strong religious feeling in the Hebrides.
But the store is now consulting with staff about working on the traditional day of rest – putting it into direct conflict with religious leaders.
The Stornoway branch is understood to be the only Tesco in the UK which doesn’t open on a Sunday.
But Rev Kenneth Stewart, of the town’s Reformed Presbyterian Church, said it should stay that way to preserve the distinct nature of the Isle of Lewis.
He said: “This is a place which has historically observed the Lord’s day.
“It’s something that’s woven very deeply into the fabric of the place and the heritage of the people.
“It’s a feature of life here that even those who are not committed Christians or churgoers still value the distinctive nature of the Lord’s day.
“A decision like this by a place like Tesco has severe knock-on repercussions and the pressures on other people to change their way of life becomes increasingly greater.
“All I’ve heard is that staff are not wanting this.
“As far as I’m aware there is universal opposition amongst staff.”
Rev Stewart said he would make representations to the store about the plans to open.
It’s understood the proposals are being looked at by a new manager in the store who is asking staff their views about working on a Sunday.
The local planning authority said there is no restriction on Tesco opening on a Sunday and confirmed they had a seven day licence to sell alcohol.
Rev Greg MacDonald of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), said: “My view is, please don’t open. It’s quite simple.
“I’m a minister and a I believe that everyone not only benefits from but is entitled to a day that’s different.
“In a closed system like an island community, there is only a set amount of money to be spent on food every week so you’ll spent the same over six or seven days and all they’ll do is increase their overheads.
“I’ve no doubt that if they open they will lose custom to the other supermarkets in the town.
“I know there will be opposition to it.”
The other large supermarket in Storonway – Co-op – also remains closed on the Sunday although some campaigners fear it could copy Tesco if their plans go ahead.
Western Isles Labour MP, Torcuil Crichton, said: “A move like this would upset many people and convenience many others. In the 24/7 world we inhabit the peace of the Lewis Sunday is something many appreciate but people and companies may make different choices.”
Tesco’s head office accepted the opportunity to comment but did not respond further.
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