New campaign aims to crack down on Sunday openings as Tesco Stornoway petition hits 9,000 signatures
A new campaign is rallying communities to protect the unique tradition of the “Lord’s Day” observance in the Western Isles following Tesco’s move to open its Stornoway branch on Sundays.
The initiative, spearheaded by CitizenGO and supported by local churches, residents and cultural advocates, aims to uphold the longstanding commitment to a restful Sabbath—a tradition rooted in the region’s deeply-held Christian values and centuries-old heritage.
In just over three weeks, a petition opposing Tesco’s controversial move has amassed almost 9,000 signatures.
Organiser Thomas Mackay said: "This campaign resonates across various backgrounds — secular and
religious — because it touches on several key issues.
"Suporting Christian practices and preserving the area’s legacy as a Christian heartland is pivotal. Customs, such as Sabbath observance, are irreplaceable components of culture that make communities special and distinctive.
"The Western Isles stand as one of the last bastions of the strict Scottish Sabbath, where Sundays are respected as a day of rest and worship. This practice has fostered a strong sense of community and provided a respite from the demands of modern life. Stornoway’s closure on Sundays is widely regarded as a hallmark of its cultural identity, drawing interest and admiration from visitors worldwide."
Tesco’s shift to open its doors on Sundays sparked significant backlash from residents and religious organisations.
A spokesperson for the Western Isles Free Church Presbytery emphasised the spiritual, cultural, and social implications of this move, adding: "The Lord’s Day is integral to the identity of our community. Opening Tesco on Sundays undermines the values we hold dear and threatens the fragile balance of life in the Western Isles.”
CitizenGO’s believes that with over 4,000 Tesco UK stores already open on Sundays, it is reasonable to expect the firm to adopt a different approach on the island.
Mr Mackay added: "Allowing Sunday trading in Stornoway could set a precedent for eroding the Western Isles’
unique culture. Historically, Stornoway has resisted similar attempts by businesses, preserving its distinction as a place where Sunday is a day of quiet reflection and family.
"Campaigners warn of the dangers of corporate chains disregarding local customs to prioritise profit. Some may say, ‘it’s one shop, who cares?’ But consider the boiling frog analogy—if customs are diluted slowly, it’s only a matter of time before the culture no longer resembles itself."
CitizenGO has launched an online petition to gather support from across Scotland and beyond. The petition, accessible here, has already garnered thousands of signatures.
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