A community in West Lothian is aiming to buy its local pub in a bid to save its historic name from the new 'woke' owners.
As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, a protest against the name-change was held yesterday in the town of the pub's location, Linlithgow, West Lothian.
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Despite the locals claiming the only reference the pub name, 'Black B*tch', is to a dog whose fur is black, new owners Greene King have argued there are racist undertones to the label, and want to change it.
This initial decision has sparked anger and frustration among some locals, who say the name of the pub is deep enriched into the town's history.
Residents protested in the streets of Linlithgow on Saturday, as Greene King is expected to release the new name of the pub tomorrow, Monday, January 24.
People were heard singing a version of Elvis Presley's 'Hound Dog' in support of keeping the name.
The petition to keep the name has garnered almost 11,000 signatures, with support from people from the Czech Republic, and even Alex Salmond himself.
The local protesters have stated that they will boycott the pub if the name is changed.
According to local legend, the pub was named after a black, female greyhound that forms part of the town's crest, after she saved her owner from sure death.
The pet saved her owner from starvation while they were imprisoned on Linlithgow Loch, and is referred to within the community as a reminder of her bravery.
Campaign leader Alistair Old told the Mail on Sunday that a community buy out was being considered.
He 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."
Lord Provost Tom Kerr said the proposed change and not the name was the cause of division in the town: "We have never 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."
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."
Suggested alternative names are believed to include The Black Hound, The Wearie Drover or The Linlithgow Arms.
