Many of us hold cherished memories of island Sundays as a guaranteed day of rest, relaxation and no work - a precious day of family time and worship. However, this simple yet profound day is at risk due to the concept of seven-day trading creeping into our culture. 

When stores and businesses open their doors on Sunday, it may seem like a convenience at first, but the resulting ripple effect leaves workers with less time to rest, less time for family, less time for church worship and invariably, a lower quality of life.

Often we don't realise the value of what we have until it's gone. We are the envy of many people living in mainland Scotland with our peaceful, work-free Sundays so why swap them for their hectic, stressful, work-filled, busy Sundays?

Every year the Outer Hebrides is voted right at the top of a poll of the happiest places to live in the UK. Is it a coincidence that our islands as a whole, are one of the only places that still has a guaranteed traditional Sunday of rest and no work? 

By signing this petition, we are not just standing for a day off - we are standing for the glory of Christ, our Christian tradition, our community spirit, and our right to be different!

Tesco is and has been a highly valued and respected, local employer and retailer, repeatedly giving generously to local charities and causes and always respecting our local Sunday tradition of rest. We hope this mutual respect of community and retailer will long continue. If Tesco Stornoway, one of the largest shops in the Western Isles, opens on a Sunday then other businesses and organisations will be more likely to open on a Sunday too. They will sadly feel pressured too. 

It is in light of this fact that we humbly ask Tesco Stornoway to please remain closed on Sundays.

Thank you very much for signing this petition and may God bless you richly in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said 'Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28