West Lothian locals have unveiled a 'protest float' after a historic pub changed its name.
The Linlithgow Marches made a return to the area this week, for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, and a group took the opportunity to hit out at Black Bitch pub owners, Greene King.
The parade featured an unusual float that showed the Black Bitch dog biting a character climbing the Provost's lamp.
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It follows the controversial decision by the Suffolk-based brewing giant and pub chain to change the name of the town's historic Black Bitch pub.
The pub is now known as The Willow Tree after Greene King said the name had racist connotations and they wanted to make it more "welcoming and inclusive".
Locals have been known as 'black bitches' for centuries and the dog even features on Linlithgow's coat of arms, while the Black Bitch Tavern served thirsty travellers since the 17th century.
The name comes from the legend of a law-breaker who was chained up to an oak tree outside the town and left to starve, only for his loyal black greyhound to bring him food. The dog was eventually caught and chained alongside its master, although the story became a byword for loyalty and bravery.
The float was organised by Alastair Old, one of the leaders of the campaign.
The pub's new name is a nod to the nearby statue of drover Katie Wearie and Katie Wearie’s willow tree, which was planted originally in 1832 to mark the Reform Act in Scotland.
However, Alastair has described the decision as “ironic” due to the fact Greene King’s founder, Benjamin Greene, was against the act.
He told the Courier earlier this year : “They ironically picking the name the Willow Tree. The tree was indeed planted in 1832 to commemorate the Reform bill being passed in Parliament.
“Benjamin Greene, their founding slave owner, was a fanatical opponent of the reform bill and fought against the will of the people to improve democracy.
“Linlithgow celebrated the power of democracy in 1832. Greene King continue to celebrate their slave owner by keeping his name in their corporate branding and continuing his behaviour by ignoring the views and opinions of people when they go against them.”
