from Rita Mcnab, Mcnabs Kippers, Lerwick, Shetland

Sir; I have been trading as a retail and wholesale fishmonger for 20 years in Shetland. I have built up this business from scratch, building up good relations with retail and wholesale customers.

For the past three years, Safeway has stocked my fish. Our fish and shellfish are bought fresh off the local fish market every day. Some of the fish is caught that night.

We currently have only two supermarkets, the Co-op and Safeway, in Shetland. I have worked hard and long hours to maintain a constant fresh supply on a daily basis to both.

My fish has always sold well and we work alongside competition with no problems.

When Morrisons took over Safeway, I was asked to meet the area manager and buyer who assured me that he would fight my corner.

But with one day’s notice, I was then told not to bother with any new deliveries. I had to throw away excess stock and had to lay off two workers and cut the hours of the other two.

They said we clashed with the other suppliers, but compare this to the number of coffee, tea, and soap powder brands there are on the shelves.

I phoned the Lerwick Safeway and got the store manager who was sympathetic with us but just told us if he heard anything he would get back to me.

Having more suppliers of the same product means much more choice for consumers, as far as I can see.

Anyway, I believe there are no items now being sourced locally that I supplied.