A West Lothian pub that underwent a controversial name change has been targeted with graffiti.
The Willow Tree, formerly known as The Black Bitch, in Linlithgow was vandalised in the last few days as artwork appeared showing a dog urinating on the venue's new logo.
The graffiti shows a black dog with its leg cocked up against the image of a willow tree.
The vandalism seems to be a reference to a lengthy campaign fought by locals who were set against pub owners Greene King's plan to rename the historic waterhole.
Thousands of customers expressed their frustration at the move, dubbed 'an insult to the whole community', but despite a public consultation, the name change was given the green light last year.
The eyebrow-raising artwork was shared on social media by one resident who suggested that someone was 'sending a message to Greene King', with the post attracting thousands of 'likes' and comments.
One local said: "Makes me very happy to see this done. Long may it continue and reapplied every time it gets taken off", while a second wrote: "Glad someone's finally done something. I wondered how long it would take."
A third commented: "Absolutely awesome and she ain't no hound dog either.. She is The Black Bitch and always will be. Hopefully whoever takes it over again change the name back."
A fourth joked: "Well done to Linlithgow’s own Banksy - whoever you are! Absolutely brilliant!" A fifth said: "Long live Linlithgow and our long loved traditions", while a sixth concluded: "Made my day."
A staff member at The Willow Tree confirmed the rude sketch was graffiti, and bar owners said they are working to get it removed.
The decision to rename the boozer was previously deferred by West Lothian Council, and Greene King was forced to seek help from the Scottish Government regarding their disputed intentions.
In November, a planning Reporter decided there were no grounds to refuse plans to change the name. A petition has since been launched to erect a plaque outside the pub explaining why the name had been amended.
The ‘Black Bitch’ name is associated with the town’s coat of arms, which portrays the legend of a greyhound who saved his master when he was sentenced to starve to death on an island in Linlithgow loch.
It has also become a nickname for local townsfolk, and there is a statue commemorating the much-celebrated canine in the town centre.
Greene King said the name change was part of its commitment to being an “anti-racist organisation” and that it had carried out extensive consultation with local groups before making its decision.
The pub title is the fifth Greene King changed in 2021 after they decided to rename three pubs called The Black Boy and another called The Black’s Head.
A Greene King spokesperson said: “We’re aware of some graffiti at The Willow Tree pub in Linlithgow and will be getting this removed.”
No one from The Willow Tree was available to comment further.
