A supermarket which has opened on a Sunday for the first time in 16 years has been accused of dividing an island community.
The Tesco superstore in Stornoway had remained shut on a Sunday since it opened in 2008 to reflect local religious sentiment, although some staff worked to restock shelves.
But bosses decided to ditch the unique trait of being the only UK store not to operate every day of the week in October following a consultation.
A number of Isle of Lewis residents have vowed to boycott the store in favour of other shops such as Co-op, which remains closed on a Sunday.
For some, it marks the loss of a long-standing tradition – but for others, it’s about freedom of choice.
Hundreds flocked to the Tesco on its first Sunday opening to the public.
Shopper Fiona McDowall told STV News: “I think Stornoway has now come in line with the 21st century.
“You don’t see people protesting outside pubs or restaurants.”
STV News
STV NewsInnes Maclean added: “I’m quite happy with it. Why not? It’s our rights as UK citizens to attend a shop on Sunday if you want.
“It’s my wish to shop on Sunday if I want. Anyone who doesn’t want to do so, doesn’t have to.
“This is my freedom to attend the shop today.”
Another customer acknowledged there will be “mixed feelings” in the community.
“On one side, there are people who feel the Sabbath day should be observed and respected.
“But for someone like me, who moved from the mainland on a weekend not knowing stores were never open on a Sunday, it was quite surprising. We couldn’t get groceries for the kids.
“It might be helpful for visitors who don’t live here.”
STV NewsA group of protesters describing themselves as “concerned Christians” stood in the car park.
“This is not the Stornoway Sunday we grew up with,” said Mark Macdonald.
The Free Church of Scotland member said he and many others will now boycott the supermarket following its decision.
“This is the loss of something very valuable and very precious locally,” he added.
“The island has always valued a Sunday free of commercial activity and believed that it is wrong.
“If we didn’t believe it was wrong, we wouldn’t have that culture. We believe it could harm our community.
“I think the Christian Sabbath brings many benefits that a lot of people enjoy and value.
“Shops being closed on Sundays is quite normal on continental Europe. it’s not unique to us.”
He added: “It’s what God has asked and told us to do. and he has our best interests at heart.”
STV NewsLewis, with a population of about 20,000, has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath as a day of rest, meaning that some shops – including both supermarkets – currently keep their doors closed on a Sunday.
More than 2,000 residents have signed a petition calling on Tesco not to start trading on a Sunday.
The retail will open the store between 12pm and 8pm on a Sunday specifically to “respect local tradition”.
Chiefs said at least 30 new jobs will be created as part of the change.
A Tesco spokesperson 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 new opening proposals, particularly from colleagues.
“This change will improve the shopping experience for local customers by offering them flexibility and reducing busy periods during the week.”
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