Campaigners fighting to keep the name of the historic Black Bitch in Linlithgow say they are bitterly disappointed their campaign has come to an end, saying the pub’s owners have “ignored 12,000 people”.
Greene King, the owner of the pub, revealed plans to rename it 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.
Alistair Old, who has spearheaded the campaign to save its name, said he believes people will now vote with their feet after Greene King “insulted the whole community.”
Greene King was forced to seek help from the Scottish Government after a decision to rename the pub was previously deferred by West Lothian Council. A planning Reporter has now decided there are no grounds to refuse plans to change the historic name.
Alistair told the Courier: “We’re really disappointed, we had hoped Historic Scotland or the West Lothian planners would have been able to help us but unfortunately neither of them has been able to stand up to them.
“The Reporter has basically given them permission to change the signage, but it wasn’t an approval of the name change, it was just allowing them to tear the sign down.
“Since this has all started there just been division and all sorts of stuff that these guys have brought along for what is really just a cheap stunt.
“Thousands of people have now gone on to social media saying they’re not going to use the pub and they’re disappointed that it’s been allowed to happen.
“The community doesn’t seem to have any say in the planning process.”
He continued: “I don’t think there’s a way forward now, they’ll just move on and change it to the Willow Tree and people will have to make up their own mind whether they want to continue to give money to a company that slags off the town’s mascot.
“Greene King are basically insulting the town and the minute they destroy it and wipe it off the building it’s lending legitimacy to their claim that it’s offensive and other people could then say the statue of the Black Bitch is offensive and it may not end there.
“We had 12,000 folk sign that petition but they never once came forward with evidence of their support and ignored the entire community.”
A petition has now also been launched with idea of a plaque outside the pub explaining why the name had been changed.
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. Since the middle of the 20th century the public house name has commemorated the event but this is not the original business name.
“It had two names prior to that: the Western Tavern and Robert Braes Wine and Spirits. As a result I do not consider the name of the business an integral element of the historic interest of these buildings.”
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’ and refers to a loyal female dog, of which there is a famous statue in the town.
Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie said: “Changing the pub’s name has been something we’ve been considering for some time and I’d like to thank people who’ve written to us to offer their views.
“There’s been plenty of publicity around those who don’t agree with our decision, but we’ve also had letters of support from people in Linlithgow.
“This is a difficult balance and throughout this we have continued to highlight our respect for the history of Linlithgow. Our decision is not meant to diminish or denigrate the heritage of the town but at the same time we recognise that language has changed and the name can be extremely offensive to people.”
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