Tesco’s store in Stornoway received a steady stream of customers when it opened its doors today for the first time on a Sunday.

Many shoppers arrived well ahead of the noon opening time with some patiently queuing and others hanging back for a few minutes more.

No fanfare or official launch surrounded the event. Shoppers filed in silently as the doors were unlocked. Britain’s largest retail chain is conscious its decision has grabbed national attention and is equally aware the supermarket’s core customer base live within the boundaries of Lewis and Harris.

Tesco’s claims of being ‘respectful’ of local traditions and culture is scorned by the Lord’s Day Observance Society (LDOS). Either it’s a “foolish attempt” at gaslighting or Tesco is “hopelessly out of touch” with the island community, says the LDOS.

Stornoway Community Council has also urged Tesco to reverse its decision, highlighting 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.”

An online petition against the change received over 1800 signatures while nearly 200 people at a recent public meeting opposed the opening.

► Public meeting opposes Tesco Sunday opening

Outside the store today four protestors assembled, displaying placards condemning the retail giant for breaking the Sabbath.

Amongst the group was Mark Macdonald who said the community was losing “something very valuable and very precious.”

He said Lewis has always “valued Sunday because we've always believed that commercial activity on Sunday is wrong. That's why we have this island traditional culture.”

“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.”

He added: “The Christian Sabbath brings many, many benefits which a lot of people enjoy.

Mr Macdonald said seven day trading of a larger supermarket in Stornoway was the “thick end of the wedge,” stemming from the introduction of Sunday flights and ferries some years ago.

Tesco claim to have held a consultation but remain silent about the details he said.

As Mr Macdonald spoke, a customer heckled the protestors. “The pubs are open on Sundays. Its ok for the pubs to be opened,” she shouted.

“I’m happy to campaign against [Sunday pubs] as well,” responded Mr Macdonald, adding “two wrongs do not make a right.”

As expected, shoppers to the shop on the day welcomed seven day opening.

Island exile Fiona Macdonald hailed it as “absolutely wonderful.”

“It's the only place in the whole of Britain that has been shut for years. We're finally in the 21st century. I'm a Christian and I don't see anything wrong to pop into a shop for toothpaste.

“As you can see from the car park, people are delighted that they've got the chance to be able to do their shopping on Sunday, maybe go to church, pop in for a couple of things.”

One customer who travelled from Harris said: “I moved to the islands 10 years. I did feel that the island people are culturally suppressed. They're not allowed to go about their everyday life.”

Josh Gibbens said: “I do understand it's a difficult subject, and I would say whether you're religious or non religious, it shouldn't affect your right to go to church. But by the same token, all the people who are here today want to shop, it shouldn't affect their freedom to shop here if they want to as well.”

No member of staff will be forced to work a Sunday. Those who opt to clock on are currently being offered a generous increased hourly pay rate for the day say local sources.

A company 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.”

Tesco’s store in Stornoway received a steady stream of customers when it opened its doors today for the first time on a Sunday.

Many shoppers arrived well ahead of the noon opening time with some patiently queuing and others hanging back for a few minutes more.

Tesco’s claims of being ‘respectful’ of local traditions and culture is scorned by the Lord’s Day Observance Society (LDOS). Either it’s a “foolish attempt” at gaslighting or Tesco is “hopelessly out of touch” with the island community, says the LDOS.

Stornoway Community Council has also urged Tesco to reverse its decision, highlighting 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.”

An online petition against the change received over 1800 signatures while nearly 200 people at a recent public meeting opposed the opening.

► Public meeting opposes Tesco Sunday opening

Outside the store today four protestors assembled, displaying placards condemning the retail giant for breaking the Sabbath.

Amongst the group was Mark Macdonald who said the community was losing “something very valuable and very precious.”

He said Lewis has always “valued Sunday because we've always believed that commercial activity on Sunday is wrong. That's why we have this island traditional culture.”

“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.”

He added: “The Christian Sabbath brings many, many benefits which a lot of people enjoy.

Mr Macdonald said seven day trading of a larger supermarket in Stornoway was the “thick end of the wedge,” stemming from the introduction of Sunday flights and ferries some years ago.

Tesco claim to have held a consultation but remain silent about the details he said.

As Mr Macdonald spoke, a customer heckled the protestors. “The pubs are open on Sundays. Its ok for the pubs to be opened,” she shouted.

“I’m happy to campaign against [Sunday pubs] as well,” responded Mr Macdonald, adding “two wrongs do not make a right.”

As expected, shoppers to the shop on the day welcomed seven day opening.

Island exile Fiona Macdonald hailed it as “absolutely wonderful.”

“It's the only place in the whole of Britain that has been shut for years. We're finally in the 21st century. I'm a Christian and I don't see anything wrong to pop into a shop for toothpaste.

“As you can see from the car park, people are delighted that they've got the chance to be able to do their shopping on Sunday, maybe go to church, pop in for a couple of things.”

One customer who travelled from Harris said: “I moved to the islands 10 years. I did feel that the island people are culturally suppressed. They're not allowed to go about their everyday life.”

No member of staff will be forced to work a Sunday. Those who opt to clock on are currently being offered a generous increased hourly pay rate for the day say local sources.

A company 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.”

A company 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.”