We’ll buy our pub to stop historic name being cancelled
PROTESTERS are considering buying their local pub – to save its name.
The Black Bitch has stood in the centre of Linlithgow since the 17th Century and honours a dark-coloured female greyhound who, according to local folklore, displayed unwavering devotion to her master.
However, the present owner, pub chain Greene King, believes the name is racist and must be changed.
Yesterday, hundreds of people held a protest in the West Lothian town – and revealed they are considering a community buyout.
It comes ahead of Greene King announcing tomorrow what it has chosen as the pub’s new name. Around 500 people – and many dogs – gathered in Linlithgow in a last-ditch attempt to persuade the Suffolk-based brewery to change its mind.
Lord Provost Tom Kerr said: ‘We have never
‘We would look at a community buyout or crowdfunding’
had any dispute regarding the status of the Black Bitch in respect of the town.
‘In 1673, the coat of arms was granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and includes the black bitch.
‘The sad thing about what Greene King have done is almost divide a community. They’ve taken what was an issue of pride and put it in to a domain of dispute.’
It has been suggested the pub name is changed to The Black Hound or The Wearie Drover – after the nearby statue of 19th century drover Katie Wearie – The Willow Tree or The Linlithgow Arms.
Last night, Alistair Old, who is leading the campaign to retain the current name, called for Greene King to listen to the pub’s patrons and locals.
At the rally outside Linlithgow Burgh Hall, protesters held placards saying ‘Hands off our history’ and ‘Black Bitch and proud’.
Some sang Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog but with the words ‘You ain’t calling her a Hound Dog, that’s not her name. She’s Linlithgow Black Bitch and she’ll always be the same’.
There has even been a suggestion to buy the pub to save it and retain the name. Mr Old said: ‘If Greene King was amenable to selling the pub, we would start a serious look at crowdfunding or a community buyout so it could retain the name.
‘We’ve not gone any further at the moment because they’ve said that’s not in their plans. We’re waiting to find out what their plans are apart from changing the name. If they change the name, they’ll basically kill the pub.’
It is understood some protesters have been sent threatening emails.
More than 11,400 people have signed an online petition in favour of keeping the name, and the matter has even reached the House of Commons, with Linlithgow MP Martyn Day tabling an Early Day Motion.
Many residents, known as Black Bitches, have threatened to boycott the pub if the change goes ahead.
Legend has it the dog’s master was chained to an island in Linlithgow Loch for committing a crime. Each night the pet would swim out with food for its master.
A Greene King spokesman said: ‘We respect the rich history of Linlithgow and its traditions, but we’re changing the name as there are people who find its name offensive as language has evolved.
‘We are seeking to work with local people on a new name.’