Look at January 2nd.
COUNCILLORS looked out their best shirts for the TV, church ministers practised their best expressions of outrage and anti-Sabbatarian campaigners said they were absolutely delighted it had happened and welcomed the news.
Tesco in Stornoway had finally announced it was to open on a Sunday.
The supermarket giant’s Clubcard booklet dropped onto doormats in the strongly-Presbyterian town yesterday (MON) with a notice of its opening times over the festive season. There it was in black and white.
The store on Shell Street was opening on January 2 from 9am to 6pm. The 2nd is a Sunday. It even emphasised: “Hours correct at time of going to press.” That was it then. No doubt about it.
At the Sandwick Road headquarters of Western Isles Council, the general view was that this was Tesco testing the water. When Tesco took over the store a couple of years ago, there was indeed speculation they would soon open seven days. A nearby filling station and a few pubs are already open on Sundays.
If there were widespread boycotts of Tesco, then the company would have to reconsider. Yet, although controversial, Sunday ferries and Sunday planes have continued to prove successful. Who knew what would happen?
The council spokesman said they had nothing to say on the matter. Other than: “We have no locus in this. It is a matter for Tesco.”
So what were Tesco’s reasons for deciding on seven-day opening now? Douglas Wilson, the Scottish corporate affairs manager, had to make a few calls to check before he could comment. When he did, it was not what the reporters expected.
“There was a misprint in the mailing sent directly to Clubcard customers. Our store will not be opening on Sunday 2 January.”
OK everyone. Stand down. Until the next time.
Like the Sunday ferry, It had to come eventually Long may both of them continue. I wonder how many of the bleary eyed will have noticed that. I suppose I’ll have to be one of the first in the queue for that event as well. Are we going to have compulsory Psalms & Prayers again?? & will it too lead to allegations of possible increased crime (let alone alarm & Dispondancy) as it didn’t previously?
Re previous post & reply Shame but we’ll get there in the end!!