West Lothian Council planners will not stand in way of controversial Black Bitch name change
01.08.2022 - 17:23
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Council planners will not stand in the way of plans to change the name of a Linlithgow pub over racism fears.
Campaigners have vehemently opposed re-naming the Black Bitch boozer in the West Lothian town
Owners Greene King claims the name has racist connotations despite it paying homage to a legendary dog.
The Scottish Daily Express reported the pub’s name has been changed to The Willow Tree. And council planners have now paved the way for the change of the sign on the C-listed building.
A report to West Lothian Council says there is no reason to object to the change in signage. It adds: “The replacement design and impact on the Category C listed building is acceptable. It is a matter for the owner whether to implement the signage.”
Over 11,000 people signed a petition to keep the name, with support coming from all over the world. Linlithgow native and former SNP First Minister Alex Salmond also spoke out against the name change.
Councillors, many of whom opposed the name change, could still block the sign change at committee. But with no planning reasons set out to object, it seems likely the move will take place.
The Black Bitch name comes from the legend of a law-breaker who was chained up to an oak tree outside the town and left to starve, only for his loyal black greyhound to bring him food. The dog was eventually caught and chained alongside its master, although the story became a byword for loyalty and bravery.
A statue commemorating the story also stands in the town. But Greene King reckons the name is “offensive”.
The West Lothian History and Amenity Society said: “The term ‘Black Bitch’ has been associated with the town for over 700 years, natives of Linlithgow are proud to be known as ‘Black Bitches’; it is a term of