Unholy row as supermarket giant Tesco plans to open on a Sunday… in Stornoway

It is the last bastion of Sabbath celebrations in the United Kingdom.

But now a supermarket giant is planning to open its store in the Hebrides on Sundays, stoking the anger of the strict religious community.

So far, since opening its Stornoway branch in 2008, Tesco has respected the Lewis tradition of keeping shutters closed on closed days.

However, it is currently consulting with staff about working on the Sabbath, sparking outrage from religious leaders who say the tradition should not be wiped out.

The retailer is aiming to bring the Stornoway store in line with the rest of its UK operations, where stores are open seven days a week.

But Rev Kenneth Stewart, of the city’s Reformed Presbyterian Church, said Tesco should respect the Hebridean way of life, telling the Sunday Mail: “This is a place where the Lord’s Day has been celebrated in the past.”

“It is something that is deeply woven into the fabric of the place and the heritage of the people.” A feature of life here is that even those who are not devout Christians or churchgoers appreciate the specialness of the Lord’s Day.

“I just heard that the employees don’t want it.” As far as I know, there is general resistance among the employees.”

Pastor Stewart said he would make statements to the store about opening plans.

It is understood the proposals will be reviewed by a new manager at the store.

The local planning authority has said there are no restrictions on Tesco opening on Sundays and confirmed they have a seven-day license to sell alcohol.

Rev Greg MacDonald of the Free Church of Scotland (continued) added: “My view is please don’t open.” It’s quite simple. I am a minister and I believe that everyone not only benefits from a day that is different, but is also entitled to it. I know there will be resistance to this.’

Co-op, Stornoway’s other major supermarket, will also remain closed on Sundays, although some campaigners fear it could copy Tesco if their plans go ahead.

Torcuil Crichton, Labor MP for the Western Isles, said: “In the 24-hour world we live in, many appreciate the peace of Lewis on Sunday.”

Tesco headquarters did not respond when contacted for comment.

Islanders were in uproar in 2009 when ferry operator CalMac began its Sunday service between the mainland and Lewis.

Warning that this would lead to further erosion of Sabbath observance, protesters celebrated when the ship developed an engine problem before its first voyage, saying it was “an act of God” to ensure the day was holy stayed.

In 2018, church leaders rejected plans to open the cinema in Stornoway in a process that would see films shown on the big screen on the last Sunday of the month.

The initiative was so successful that the arts center behind the move continues to show blockbusters on weekends.