British Broadcasting CorporationA Scottish island community is divided over whether a supermarket plans to open on Sunday.
A Tesco branch on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides has begun consultations with staff and residents about opening seven days a week.
The island, with a population of about 20,000, has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath, which means some shops, including two supermarkets, are currently closed on Sundays.
More than 700 people have signed an online petition opposing the proposed changes.
Many of the island’s residents are members of various Protestant denominations and believe that Sunday should be a day of rest.
This practice stems from the fourth commandment of the Bible, which is to “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.”
Once upon a time, Sabbath observance was so strict that amusement park swings were locked at dusk on Saturdays, while hanging laundry 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 services operating since 2009.
But while petrol stations and some restaurants are now open on Sundays, many local shops, including the only other Co-op supermarket, remain closed.
Council-run facilities such as swimming pools, soft play areas and the island’s two-lane bowling alley were also closed, although local authorities allowed similar facilities to open on other islands.
Getty ImagesAlasdair Macleod, who launched a petition against Tesco’s proposals, said “no work on Sundays” made Lewes people “the envy” of many mainland Scotland residents.
He said: “Many of us have cherished memories of Sunday on the Island as it was a day guaranteed of rest, relaxation and no work – a day of precious family time and worship.
“However, as the concept of seven-day trading has permeated our culture, this simple yet profound day is at risk.
“When shops and businesses open on Sundays, it may seem like a convenience at first, but the knock-on effect is that workers have less time to rest, less time with their families, less time to attend church services, and are unable to Avoidance leads to poor quality of work.”
Although Tesco stores are currently closed on Sundays, some staff are already hard at work restocking shelves.
The supermarket said if plans go ahead, no staff will be forced to work on the Sabbath.
Christian Davies, Tesco Highlands and Islands store director, said: “We are confident that we can carefully balance the needs of a seven-day opening while respecting local tradition and culture.
“While Sunday shopping is not suitable for everyone, stores open seven days a week will significantly improve the shopping experience for all customers by providing options for those who do want to shop on Sundays and reducing congestion on other days .week, especially Saturday.”
