AN island community council has urged Tesco to reconsider the introduction of opening on a Sunday, accusing the supermarket of causing division.
Stornoway Community Council recently discussed the "troubling matter” at a meeting and an open letter has now been sent to the retailer, telling bosses that "it is still not too late to change your mind".
The supermarket giant's Stornoway store has remained shut on a Sunday since it opened in 2008.
However, workers were notified of the change in October, and Tesco said the move would create "at least 30 new jobs" as well as lower food waste and increase flexibility for shoppers.
Tesco previously said no member of staff will be forced to work on a Sunday unless they want to, however, one councillor told The National that the community is “resigned” to the move and said “it's not like we've got a lot of choice” of jobs and shifts.
Tesco is expected to open on Sunday, November 17 despite more than a thousand people signing an online petition against the proposed change.
The letter sent to the supermarket states: “Given the long-standing cultural significance of Sunday as a day of rest in the minds of many residents, not all of whom are necessarily ardent churchgoers, Stornoway Community Council must respectfully ask you whether, even at this late stage, you can recognise the discord which your decision has brought to our town and our island, and reconsider.”
“It is still not too late to change your mind and restore harmony to our community.”
“It is accepted that Tesco has already announced its decision to begin Sunday openings and that there does not seem to be any regulatory impediment to this.
“It is also recognised that Sunday opening is a subject on which many local people often feel extremely strongly.
“Regrettably the language on both sides of the debate has occasionally been somewhat intemperate.
The letter continues: “Doubtless it was unintentional, but Tesco’s decision has clearly divided our community.
“We also accept that, short of a local referendum being held, it would be difficult to determine exactly where the balance of public opinion lies.”
The letter added that not all opponents of the move were religious, and other concerns were highlighted.
Christian Davies, Tesco store director in the Highlands and Islands, said last month: "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.
"Of course, we understand that not everyone supports opening the store seven days a week and we will adopt a unique approach to Stornoway with shorter opening times on a Sunday than other locations in Scotland."
