Tesco is the largest supermarket in the UK, with almost 2,000 stores across the country.
With some locations operating 24/7, no matter the time or day, you’re likely to find a Tesco open – but, there’s one clear exception.
Head north (and we mean way north) to the Outer Hebrides, a cluster of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 40 miles from mainland Scotland.
It’s here you’ll find Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, home to the only Tesco in their vast retail empire that doesn’t open on a Sunday.
The town, which has a population of around 7,000, has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath day.
The community has strong religious affiliations, with many of the Presbyterian islanders here believing that Sunday should be a day of rest – as is stated in one of the 10 commandments.
The only other supermarket in the town, a Coop, is also closed on Sunday, as are council-run facilities such as swimming pools and soft-play areas. Although as rules have relaxed, restaurants and pubs, as well as petrol stations, are now open too.
It was only as recently as 2002 that a commercial flight was able to land at Stornoway airport on a Sunday and in 2009, when the first ferry left the island for the mainland on a Sunday, a small protest group gathered, singing hymns and reading psalms.
But despite objection, Tesco is moving ahead with their plans. The local council has ruled in favour of the new opening hours, and Tesco will open their store for the first time in Stornoway this Sunday November 17, from 12pm to 8pm.
Still, some residents aren’t backing down.
An online petition against the move has gained 2,039 signatures, and you’ll see ‘Keep Sunday Special’ banners hung around the town.
A protest meeting was held with 200 people in attendance – although a representative from Tesco was not one of them – and religious islands are boycotting the store altogether, in favour of Coop.
Christian Davies, Tesco store director in the Highlands and Islands, has previously 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.’
A statement from Tesco also said: ‘Since opening in 2008, the Stornoway Superstore has been closed between 10pm on Saturday evenings until 6am the following Monday.
‘It is hoped that opening on a Sunday will allow customers more flexibility to access fresh food and groceries and alleviate pressure on what have traditionally been busier shopping days due to the current six-day operation.’
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.