What about slavery links of brewery...?
OUR town celebrates the Black Bitch – a brave, mythical greyhound who tried to save her master from starving to death. We celebrate that faithful female dog.
However, by spreading the perception that the town is racist and causing offence by wanting to continue centuries of tradition in Linlithgow, Greene King has badly misjudged the people of the town.
The company had been quite happy to pay for all the Black Bitch signage and story boards until its own connections with the slave trade were exposed.
History is a massive part of Scottish communities and to attack this town’s history in the arrogant way Greene King has is frankly appalling.
The Greene King company name is emblazoned all over pubs in England.
It is the name of a slave owner [Benjamin Greene] who made a fortune from the Government when he had to give up his slaves. Not only was he a slave owner, he persisted in trying to defeat the Bill to end slavery.
Our pub name is not based on any racism or slavery connections in any way and it is not offensive when understood. If individuals either don’t take the time to recognise the fact that it is a female greyhound on the signs on the pub alongside the name, or do not take the time to find out what the name refers to, then that is their prerogative.
I would suggest that if Greene King persists with this ridiculous behaviour, then not only will the customer base in Linlithgow substantially reduce, but the company’s reputation of being unapproachable and uncaring about the local community will far outweigh any positive thoughts.
If the pub really does not fit Greene King’s current portfolio, then I am serious in the suggestion that we would be happy to discuss a community buyout so that we can retain the pub and its name within the community.
If Greene King is offended by our history, then sell us the pub and we will be happy to look after it.