Scots pub has 'racist' name changed despite backlash from furious locals

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A West Lothianpub at the centre of a racism row has changed its name from The Black Bitch - despite backlash from furious locals.The Linlithgowboozer revealed its plans to rename at the start of the year, with thousands of customers expressing their disappointment.Despite their anger, the name change has been given the go-ahead, following a public consultation, and will now be known as The Willow Tree.More than 11,000 residents signed a petition protesting the name change and some 500 objections were submitted, reports the Scottish Daily Express.The Black Bitch references a local legend – a black female greyhound which features on the town’s heraldic crest – after it brought food to its starving owner who was imprisoned on an island on Linlithgow Loch.There is also a statue commemorating the legend in the town centre.Greene King was forced to seek help from the government after a decision to rename the pub was previously deferred by West Lothian Council.

There are no grounds to refuse plans to change the historic name.The chain claimed councillors hoped to encourage heritage bosses to include the pub name in a protected listing to avoid the name change.Approving plans for listed building and advertising consent, reporter Elspeth Cook, said: "I have carefully considered the submissions from members of the public and local community groups regarding the story of the black bitch (depicted as a species of hound) and its importance to the history and identity of Linlithgow."While the story is undoubtedly of historic and cultural importance to Linlithgow it is evident that the listed buildings were erected after the event took place."Consequently they have no direct connection to the event.