Call forThe Black Bitch name to stay
Concerned Linlithgow locals took to The Cross in their droves on Saturday to protest against the proposed renaming of the town centre pub The Black Bitch.
The controversy has been raging for months now, starting when national pub retailer and brewer Greene King took over ownership – announcing plans to change the name of the historic pub to one that has less perceived offensive connotations.
The rally at the weekend was the second gathering of its kind for locals to protest against the proposal.
Campaigners have also floated the idea of a community buy-out of the pub. Alistair Old, who is spearheading the campaign, said: “Greene King have said selling the pub isn’t part of their plans but maybe after it sits empty for a few months they might think again.
“The Red Lion in Culross was purchased with the help of a Scottish land fund grant.
“It might be a tall order but it is something we would seriously consider.”
The ‘hands off our history’ rally, as locals have taken to calling the protest campaign, argues that the name is significant to the town’s local history and culture – with a black greyhound appearing on the town’s coat of arms.
Around 100 protestors gathered outside Linlithgow Burgh Halls to show their distaste for Greene King’s proposal, the event punctuated by the Linlithgow Reed Band playing live for the crowd.
Many turned up to show their support for the campaign including Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop, MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk Martin Day and local councillors.
In a demonstration aimed at showing off Linlithgow’s civic pride, families with young children, locals young and old, and even several black greyhounds stood in solidarity.
Nadia Chand, a 44 year-old businesswoman who moved to Linlithgow six years ago, was in attendance.
She said: “The name is part of our culture – our kids at Linlithgow Academy and primary wear the black bitch on their ties in school.
“The name-change isn’t necessary. The black bitch forms a positive role model for young people in Linlithgow. It teaches loyalty and braveness, which is incredibly important to our town.
“We don’t want this to be a starting point for cultural erasure in Linlithgow – we just want to protect our culture, it is all we are looking for.”
The event was led by head of the campaign, Alastair Old, who spoke to the crowd fervently about community pride, cultural vandalism and the division it has now caused in the community.
The rally ended as the crowd made way for local musicians to play the rally off with original protest songs, which featured lyrics poking fun at the pub conglomerate.
One such song, to the tune of ‘Another Brick in the Wall Pt.2’ by Pink Floyd, featured the chorus: ‘Hey Greene King! Leave our pub alone!’
Locals clapped along and then danced the Highland fling as the rally finished with a rendition of Scotland the Brave.
The Black Bitch is Linlithgow’s oldest pub, dating back to the 16th century. The name itself is a reference to a 13th century local tale of a man sentenced to starve on an isle in the middle of Linlithgow Loch, saved only by his black female greyhound who swam out with food everyday.
A petition has now been started by concerned citizens, amassing over 11,000 signatures.