BBCA Scottish island community is divided over plans to open a supermarket on Sunday.
The Tesco branch on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides has started consulting with staff and residents about opening seven days a week.
The island, which has a population of around 20,000, has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath, meaning that some shops – including both supermarkets – currently keep their doors closed on Sundays.
More than 700 people have now signed an online petition against the proposed change.
Many of the island’s residents are members of various Protestant denominations who believe that Sunday should be a day of rest.
This practice is derived from the fourth commandment of the Bible which states, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy”.
Sabbath observance was once so strict that swings at play parks were chained up at dusk on Saturdays, and going out to wash clothes on Sundays was frowned upon.
Restrictions have been relaxed in recent decades, with the first Sunday commercial flight landing at Stornoway Airport in 2002 and Sunday ferry operations starting in 2009.
But petrol stations and some restaurants now open on Sundays, with many local shops including the only other supermarket, the Co-op, remaining closed.
Council run-facilities such as swimming pools, soft-play areas and the island’s two-lane bowling alley are also closed, even though the local authority allows similar facilities on other islands to open.
getty imagesA petition against the Tesco proposals was started by Alasdair MacLeod, who said that “work-free Sundays” would make the people of Lewes the “jealousy” of many people living in mainland Scotland.
He said: “Many of us hold memories of Island Sunday as a guaranteed day of rest, relaxation and no work – a precious day of family time and worship.
“However, this simple but profound day is in danger because of the concept of seven-day trading that is prevalent in our culture.
“When shops and businesses open their doors on Sundays, it may seem like a convenience at first, but the resulting knock-on effect leaves workers with less time to rest, less time for family , there is less time for church worship and there is always a lower quality of life.”
Although Tesco stores are currently closed on Sundays, some staff are already at work filling the shelves.
The supermarket said no staff members would be forced to work on the Sabbath if the plan went ahead.
Christian Davies, Tesco’s store director in the Highlands and Islands, said: “We are confident we can carefully balance the demand of a seven-day opening while respecting local traditions and culture.
“Although shopping on Sundays is not for everyone, a store that is open seven days a week will greatly improve the shopping experience for all customers, providing options for those who want to shop on Sundays. and will reduce crowding during other days of the week, especially Saturdays.”
