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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Debbie Hall & Kris Gourlay

Controversial West Lothian pub has new sign vandalised after recent name change

A controversial West Lothian pub has been the subject of a creative piece of artwork in protest over its recent name change.

The Willow Tree, formerly known as the Black Bitch, in Linlithgow, has been the centre of controversy for over a year after owners Greene King decided to change the pub's name, saying it has 'racist connotations'.

Protests from locals who were enraged by the decision soon followed but the change eventually went ahead and now, a Banksy-inspired piece of artwork has appeared on the exterior of the building.

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As the West Lothian Courier reports, one amateur artist got their own back on the decision to change the pub's name by spray-painting a picture of a dog peeing onto the new sign.

Much to the hilarity of locals, many of whom campaigned long and hard to keep the pub's former name, the recent artwork was the centre of attention in the town.

Local man Murdoch Kennedy said: "A huge thank you to whoever was responsible for this!" Others said it was "hilarious" and "superb" and "taking the p**s out of Greene King for once."

Edgar Liddle even said: "Spread the rumour that it was Banksy. GK [Greene King] wouldn't dare remove it."

Campaigners had fought to keep the name of the historic pub and were bitterly disappointed when their campaign came to an end, saying the pub's owners Greene King had "ignored 12,000 people".

The pub chain wanted the name change to make sure the bar was "more inclusive" and did not offend anyone.

Greene King has been approached for comment.

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